chattering classes

C

the chattering classes

Meaning

  • refers to the people who comment on events but have no power to influence them, such as journalists, broadcasters, or public figures.
  • educated people who like to discuss and give their opinions about political and social matters.

The chattering classes is a derogatory British term that refers to people who talk and write more about current political and social matters. Such comments do not be taken with seriousness and should be ignored. The chattering class phrase has gone on to include spectators not only in political but also other social matters. There are chattering classes in all sectors, thus making this phrase common.

Examples in a Sentence

  1. The royal baby’s birth was a historic event and has recently become a trendy topic among the chattering classes.
  2. We have to move on; we cannot be held hostage by the chattering classes.
  3. The chattering classes are sometimes so loud.
  4. They didn’t win, and their fans were in a chattering class.
  5. To get the best, you must ignore the chattering class.
  6. The political storm was so hot for the chattering class that they had to tone it down.
  7. Have you heard the latest from the chattering classes about President Joe Biden?

Origin

Frank Johnson, a British journalist in 1980, used the phrase to refer to a wider range of commentators. It reads: 

“The peculiar need for something to be frightened about only seems to affect those of us who are part of the chattering classes.”

The term referred to liberal intellectuals who were voicing out their opinion concerning the political situation at the time.

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