What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yak
Example
I had to listen to my boss yak on and on about his weekend for an hour. [yak: verb]
Example
The group of friends yakked away at the coffee shop for hours. [yakked: past tense]
chatter
Example
The children were chattering excitedly about their upcoming field trip. [chattering: present participle]
Example
The coworkers engaged in idle chatter while waiting for the meeting to start. [chatter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chatter is more commonly used than yak in everyday language. Chatter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while yak is less common and often has a negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between yak and chatter?
Both yak and chatter are informal words that are typically used in casual conversations. However, chatter can be used in more formal contexts, such as business meetings or presentations, while yak is less appropriate in such settings.
