What is "chatter"?

Question

I see many articles about al-queda where an unnamed government official always says "chatter" indicates impending terror attacks. What exactly is "chatter" and where does it come from? Is it possible for me to hear some of this "chatter"? Is it chat rooms? Phones? something else?

Answer 1

Chatter can refer to:

chatter in the speech sense - to talk noisily or conversationally. See also chattering classes.

Related phenomena such as:

In machining, the vibration of a cutting tool or workpiece, resulting in a poor finish, and sometimes tool or workpiece breakage.

Noise generated in pipes due to vibration, which is generally caused by loose piping or other loose parts.

In electronics, the unwanted bouncing of switch or relay contacts - see switch.

{In signal intelligence, encrypted electronic signals to be subjected to Traffic analysis.

In the blogosphere, a daily compilation of odd news and musings - this, that, the other thing.

Project CHATTER (1947-1953), a U.S. Navy truth serum project

Chatter mark, an indication of glacial erosion

As a name, Chatter can refer to

Mukesh Chatter, technology entrepreneur

Answer 2

Chatter in this case is referring to radio or mobile phone intercepts. It is not difficult for government agencies to listen into any radio or mobile phone traffic in a region. The technology has been around for decades now and is used by most governments.

Answer 3

It's overheard (or tapped) information that could support activity (negative).