The Chattering Classes, A Definition

Anne Kornblut has an amusing piece in Sunday's Times about the meaning and origin of the term, "chattering classes". It includes this gem from William Safire:

"Both chattering classes and nattering nabobs of negativism are attacks on critics, usually eggheads," Mr. Safire wrote. He also noted a continuing need "for a phrase that columnists, pundits, commentators and other harangutangs can use to flagellate themselves and one another."