Présentation d’Héloïse, tutrice de conversation en français

What does “papoter” mean in French?

A conversation tutor introduces herself and hopes “d’avoir l’occasion de papoter avec vous.” Papoter means to chat or natter, the warm, low-pressure cousin of parler (to speak) and discuter (to discuss). It carries a sense of cosy, friendly talk with no agenda, which is exactly the mood a conversation tutor wants to set.

You’ll meet relatives of the idea all over French: bavarder (to chatter), tailler une bavette (an idiom, literally “to cut a bib,” meaning to have a good natter), and faire la causette. Reach for papoter when you want to say “let’s just chat,” and you’ll sound relaxed and natural rather than stiff.