Patter
/ˈpæt.ər/noun
To speak or recite rapidly and smoothly, often in a rehearsed or glib way; also, a light repeated tapping sound.
Did you know?English patter is widely believed to be an expressive formation tied to repeated tapping sounds, and it later became stage-talk for a rapid, memorized sales or comic speech — words as performance, almost like verbal ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
patter
“To speak or tap in a quick, repetitive way.”
16th-17th Century
English
patter
“An imitative word used for a rapid series of light taps or a rapid flow of speech.”
Middle English
English
pat
“A light tap or slap; a quick repeated sound.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*pattōną / *pattjaną
“An expressive base associated with tapping or striking lightly.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peh₂-
“To strike, tread, or stamp; a broad ancient root behind many words for feet and stepping.”