'chatter' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'chatteren', probably of imitative (onomatopoeic) origin representing repeated sharp sounds.

'chatter' changed from Middle English 'chatteren' (an imitative verb) and eventually became the modern English word 'chatter' by shortening and regularization.

Initially, it meant 'to make quick, repeated noises' (for example, teeth or small objects); over time it broadened to mean 'to talk rapidly or trivially' as well as to retain the original noisy-sound sense.