chattering classes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, chiefly journalistic, often pejorative/humorous
Quick answer
What does “chattering classes” mean?
A social group, typically well-educated and affluent, perceived to engage in frequent, often critical, discussion of social and political issues, particularly in the media.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social group, typically well-educated and affluent, perceived to engage in frequent, often critical, discussion of social and political issues, particularly in the media.
Refers broadly to metropolitan elites, journalists, academics, and liberal professionals whose opinions are considered influential but sometimes detached from the realities of ordinary life. The term often carries a hint of dismissal or satire towards their perceived self-importance or tendency to talk more than act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term originated in and remains far more common in British English, deeply embedded in UK political and media discourse. In American English, it is understood but used less frequently; comparable concepts might be 'coastal elites', 'the commentariat', or 'the liberal elite'.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with London-centric media/political culture, Guardian readers, BBC ethos. Often used by both right-wing commentators and populist left figures. US: When used, it imports a British flavour and is understood through that lens; may sound like a borrowed term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK broadsheets and political commentary; low-to-medium frequency in US equivalent contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chattering classes” in a Sentence
the + chattering classesadjective + chattering classesverb + (about/against) the chattering classes (e.g., despise, mock, represent)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chattering classes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Politicians often **court** the chattering classes ahead of an election.
- The proposal was immediately **seized upon** by the chattering classes.
American English
- The columnist sought to **influence** the chattering classes on the coast.
- The policy was quickly **dismissed** by the chattering classes in New York.
adverb
British English
- The play was reviewed **chatteringly-class-positively** in the broadsheets. (Note: This is a highly non-standard, creative formation and illustrates the term's productivity as a base for humour.)
adjective
British English
- It was a typical **chattering-classes** concern, far removed from most people's priorities.
- The newspaper had a distinctly **chattering-classes** viewpoint.
American English
- The podcast had a **chattering-classes** vibe, appealing to urban professionals.
- It was seen as a **chattering-classes** issue by the heartland voters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media or political consultancy analysing public opinion.
Academic
Used in sociology, media, and political science discourse as a recognised socio-cultural label.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation; used by those engaged with political commentary.
Technical
Not a technical term, but a cultural-political shorthand.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chattering classes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chattering classes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chattering classes”
- Using it as a neutral compliment (it is not).
- Using it to refer to any group that talks a lot (it refers to a specific socio-cultural segment).
- Capitalising it (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is rarely a compliment. It is typically used pejoratively or humorously to critique a perceived elite who talk about issues without practical experience or consequence.
Yes, but carefully. It can be used as a recognised sociological or media studies term, often in quotation marks to indicate its loaded nature. Avoid it in highly formal or neutral descriptive contexts.
The 'chattering classes' are a subset of the (upper-)middle class, defined by their engagement in media, academia, and the arts, and their vocal opinions. Not all middle-class people are part of the chattering classes.
It is widely attributed to the British journalist Frank Johnson in the early 1980s, though similar phrases existed earlier. It was popularised by the writer Alan Watkins and later by politicians.
A social group, typically well-educated and affluent, perceived to engage in frequent, often critical, discussion of social and political issues, particularly in the media.
Chattering classes: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃætərɪŋ ˌklɑːsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃætərɪŋ ˌklæsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The chattering classes are at it again.”
- “It's the talk of the chattering classes.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a busy London café full of people in glasses, talking CHATTERingly about politics over expensive coffee – they're in a CLASS of their own.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A CONVERSATION (where one group dominates the talk); CRITICISM IS NOISE (idle chatter vs. meaningful action).
Practice
Quiz
The term 'chattering classes' is most likely to be used in which context?