Smattrynge

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Having only a slight, superficial grasp of a subject rather than deep or thorough understanding
2. A small, shallow amount of learning about something, picked up without real depth or mastery
3. The condition of knowing only a little about a topic, enough to recognize it but not to master it

Etymology: Originally, a smattering was noise rather than knowledge. The noun comes from the verb "smatter," which meant to chatter or babble, and a smattering was an idle flow of talk. Its sense then narrowed to the chatter of someone who speaks about a subject without really understanding it, and from there to a slight, superficial acquaintance with it. Someone with a smattering of French can ask for directions but not read a novel. The verb's exact origin is uncertain. It is probably related to Low German or Dutch forms with similar meanings, and it may be imitative, shaped by the sound of rapid, scattered speech. Whatever its source, the word's core idea stayed the same: knowledge that is quick, scattered and thin.