'prate' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'praten', probably from Middle Dutch 'praten', where the root meant 'to talk'.

'prate' changed from Middle English 'praten' (with influence from Middle Dutch 'praten') and eventually became the modern English word 'prate'.

Initially, it meant 'to talk' in a neutral sense, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to talk at length in a foolish or tedious way'.