chat up

British  

verb

1. to talk flirtatiously to (a person), esp with the intention of seducing him or her

2. to talk persuasively to (a person), esp with an ulterior motive

---

chat up Idioms  

1. Talk flirtatiously to, as in Leave it to Charlie to chat up the girls . This usage is mostly but not entirely British. [Late 1800s]

2. Engage in light, friendly talk, as in He was soon chatting up all the board members . [Mid-1900s]

---

Example Sentences

“He was an everyday guy chatting up with the dads.”

From Los Angeles Times

At the bar, he chatted up the chief executive of a software company, drawing on his knowledge of the oil-and-gas industry, and got an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal

A friend of mine hates when a character goes rogue and starts chatting up the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

He remained on stage in the VIP section long after the ceremony ended, chatting up Dodgers broadcasting legend Jaime Jarrín and others, instead of trying to mix with the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, he discovered a dog park in Valley Village without any signs prohibiting parking for a certain amount of time, so he’d post up there, playing guitar, practicing yoga and chatting up the locals.

From Los Angeles Times