chaff

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The inedible parts of a grain-producing plant.
2. 2
   Straw or hay cut up fine for the food of cattle.
3. 3
   Any excess or unwanted material, resource, or person; anything worthless.
4. 4
   Light jesting talk; banter; raillery.
5. 5
   Loose material, e.g. small strips of aluminum foil dropped from aircraft, intended to interfere with radar detection.

Verb

1. 1
   To use light, idle language by way of fun or ridicule; to banter.
2. 2
   To make fun of; to turn into ridicule by addressing in ironical or bantering language.
3. 3
   To cut up (straw or hay) for use as cattle feed.