smattering

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsmatərɪŋ/
(also smatter)

noun

  • a slight superficial knowledge of a language or subject: Edward had only a smattering of Welsh
  • a small amount of something: a smattering of snow

Origin:

mid 16th century: from smatter 'talk ignorantly, prate' (surviving in Scots), of unknown origin