General:
* Small talk: This is the most common and neutral term.
* Chatter: This implies light, informal conversation.
* Trivial talk: This emphasizes the lack of substance in the conversation.
* Banter: This implies playful and lighthearted conversation.
* Chitchat: This is another term for informal conversation, often about inconsequential matters.
Negative connotations:
* Gossip: This implies conversation about other people's personal lives.
* Idle chatter: This implies that the conversation is pointless and wastes time.
* Frivolous chatter: This is a more formal and negative way of saying that the conversation is meaningless.
* Piffle: This is a more informal and slightly derogatory word for nonsense.
* Poppycock: This is another word for nonsense, often used humorously.
Specific to particular topics:
* Shop talk: This refers to conversation about work.
* Water cooler talk: This refers to casual conversation that takes place in a workplace setting.
* Girlish chatter: This refers to conversation that is considered to be frivolous and superficial, typically by young women.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the tone you want to convey.