Etymology

Noun

1. The inedible parts of a plant whose seeds are eaten as grain.

   To separate out the chaff, early cultures tossed baskets of grain into the air and let the wind blow away the lighter chaff.

2. By extension, any excess or unwanted material, resource, or person; anything worthless.

   There are plenty of good websites on the subject, but take care to separate the wheat from the chaff.

3. Loose material dropped from aircraft specifically to interfere with radar detection.

Verb

1. To use light, idle language by way of fun or ridicule; to banter.
2. To make fun of; to turn into ridicule by addressing in ironical or bantering language; to quiz.