The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word PRATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
R
A
T
E
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Waffle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case waffle = prate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PRATE mean?
PRATE noun- Talk to little purpose; trifling talk; unmeaningful loquacity.
- To talk much and to little purpose; to be loquacious; to speak foolishly.