palaver

[ puh-lav-er, ‑-lah-ver ]

noun

1. a conference or discussion.
2. a parley or conference between European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc., and people indigenous to a region, especially in West Africa.
3. profuse and idle talk; chatter.
4. persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery:

verb (used without object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.

1. to talk profusely and idly.
2. to parley or confer.

verb (used with object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.

1. to cajole or persuade.

palaver

/ pəˈlɑːvə /

noun

1. tedious or time-consuming business, esp when of a formal nature

   all the palaver of filling in forms

2. loud and confused talk and activity; hubbub
3. (often used humorously) a conference
4. rare.
   talk intended to flatter or persuade
5. 1. an argument
   2. trouble arising from an argument

verb

1. intr (often used humorously) to have a conference
2. intr to talk loudly and confusedly
3. tr to flatter or cajole

Other Words From

• pa·lav·er·er pa·lav·er·ist noun
• pa·lav·er·ment noun
• pa·lav·er·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

First recorded in 1710–20; noun from Portuguese palavra “word, speech, talk,” from Late Latin parabola parable; verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

C18: from Portuguese palavra talk, from Latin parabola parable

Example Sentences

That the palaver was enough to promptly warrant Congressional hearings is testament to just how removed the investing public is from today’s market mechanics.

From Quartz

He seemed at first much pleased of the situation, but after examining the captives closely he called a palaver.

From The Daily Beast

With North Korea, the palaver is mostly about hoping and waiting.

From The Daily Beast

Barton summoned us to a meeting, one night, and we held a long palaver over the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

"Ah, yes, I understand your smooth palaver," the bridegroom growled between his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

Think I want to hang around and palaver with a set of pirates that'd stick a gun in my face and tell me where I git off?

From Project Gutenberg

Ko-boru was all for a long and impressive palaver, but recognized a certain absence of encouragement in the Commissioner's tone.

From Project Gutenberg

"That is a Government palaver," smiled Sanders, and that was all the satisfaction Ferguson received.

From Project Gutenberg