Patter

Patter

Noun & Verb · /ˈpætər/ · rapid talk; the sound of quick light taps

Definition

Two main senses: 1. Rapid, fluent speech — the fast, practised talk of a salesman, comedian, magician, or auctioneer. Often implies rehearsed or persuasive speech. 2. A series of quick, light tapping sounds — the patter of rain on a window, the patter of tiny feet. Both senses share the idea of rapid, repetitive rhythm.

Origin

Sense 1: from Pater Noster (Our Father) — the Latin prayer recited rapidly and mechanically by monks. The mumbled, rhythmic speed of the prayer gave us the word for any fast, practised speech. Sense 2: a frequentative form of pat — meaning to pat repeatedly. The two origins are unrelated but merged under the same spelling, creating a word with two distinct etymologies living under one roof.