chatterati: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often journalistic or humorous
Quick answer
What does “chatterati” mean?
A collective term for the fashionable, talkative elite, especially those in media, publishing, and the arts who are seen as setting trends through their public conversations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A collective term for the fashionable, talkative elite, especially those in media, publishing, and the arts who are seen as setting trends through their public conversations.
The class of people who are prominent in social chatter, gossip columns, talk shows, and cultural commentary, often perceived as being more concerned with style and influence than substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British media, but understood in both. The concept of a media 'chattering class' is strong in UK political discourse.
Connotations
In the UK, it often carries stronger political connotations, linked to the 'metropolitan elite'. In the US, it may lean more towards celebrity and entertainment media circles.
Frequency
Rare in both, but marginally more frequent in UK broadsheet newspapers and political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “chatterati” in a Sentence
the + chatterati + verb (plural)among the chatteratichatterati + noun (e.g., chatterati set)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chatterati” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use possible: 'a chatterati gathering']
American English
- [Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use possible: 'chatterati hotspots']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in media/PR analysis to refer to influential opinion-formers.
Academic
Very rare. Potentially in media or cultural studies as a descriptive, informal term.
Everyday
Very rare. Used by those who read certain newspapers or follow media commentary.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chatterati”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chatterati”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chatterati”
- Using it to refer to one person (e.g., 'He is a chatterati' – incorrect; 'He is part of the chatterati' is correct).
- Confusing it with 'chatterbox' (which refers to an individual who talks a lot, not a social class).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral to mildly negative, carrying an ironic or dismissive tone towards people perceived as talking fashionable nonsense.
No, it is an informal, journalistic term. Use more formal alternatives like 'commentariat' or 'media commentators' in academic or official texts.
'Glitterati' focuses on fame, glamour, and celebrity. 'Chatterati' focuses on talk, opinion, and media commentary, though there is significant overlap.
It is a plural collective noun (like 'police' or 'cattle'). You use plural verbs with it: 'The chatterati are talking...'
A collective term for the fashionable, talkative elite, especially those in media, publishing, and the arts who are seen as setting trends through their public conversations.
Chatterati: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃæt.ərˈɑː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃæt̬.ɚˈɑː.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms. The word itself is a blend with idiomatic force.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'chatter' at a fancy party for the 'literati' (educated elite). The people who chatter + the literati = the CHATTERATI.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/POLITICAL INFLUENCE IS NOISE (The influential class is conceptualized as a constant, often empty, background chatter.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'chatterati'?