Scotland · verb and noun
blether
To talk at length, often idly; also a chat, rambling talk, or nonsense.
Uses your device’s built-in voice. Pronunciation is approximate because available voices and Scottish accents vary.
What blether means
As a verb, blether means to talk freely or at length, sometimes without saying much of importance. As a noun, a blether can be a friendly chat, a stream of rambling talk, or nonsense depending on tone.
How it is used
Context matters. 'We had a blether' is usually warm and social, while 'stop blethering' can criticise someone for talking foolishly or too much.
- Part of speech
- verb and noun
- Pronunciation
- /ˈblɛðər/; some dialects use a d-like middle sound
- Register
- Informal Scots and Scottish English.
- Variants
- blather, bledder
Examples
Each example is followed by its intended plain-English meaning.
We had a good blether over tea.
We had a good chat over tea.
He's blethering instead of answering the question.
He's talking at length without answering the question.
What to watch for
Blether is not always an insult. Its tone ranges from affectionate chat to criticism of foolish talk.