blarney

American  

[blahr-nee] / ˈblɑr ni /

noun

1. flattering or wheedling talk; cajolery.

2. deceptive or misleading talk; nonsense; hooey.

   a lot of blarney about why he was broke.

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verb (used with or without object)

blarneyed, blarneying

1. to flatter or wheedle; use blarney.

   He blarneys his boss with the most shameless compliments.

blarney British  

/ ˈblɑːnɪ /

noun

1. flattering talk

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verb

1. to cajole with flattery; wheedle

blarney Cultural  

1. Smooth, flattering talk, often nonsensical or deceptive. Based on an Irish legend that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will become skilled in flattery.

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Etymology

Origin of blarney

First recorded in 1760–70; after the hamlet Blarney, in Ireland; Blarney stone

Example Sentences

The man known for his charm and Irish blarney — a gift for the gab — was an ardent advocate of stronger U.S.-Canadian relations.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 29, 2024

That’s Digger Phelps, Irish basketball coach with similar blarney skills to Lasorda’s.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2021

With his Gaelic good looks, charisma and Irish blarney, he set up a music club, the Scene, in London’s Soho district.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2020

With his penchant for poetry and blarney, the former vice president has emerged as a sort of national eulogist in chief.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2019

Well, of course, Maniac knew that most if not all of that was blarney, and, just to make sure, he watched the ball extra carefully.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli