schmooze

American  

[shmooz] / ʃmuz /

Also shmooze sometimes schmoose

verb (used without object)

schmoozed, schmoozing

1. to chat idly; gossip.

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noun

1. idle conversation; chatter.

schmooze British  

/ ʃmuːz /

verb

1. (intr) to chat or gossip

2. (tr) to chat to (someone) for the purposes of self-promotion or to gain some advantage

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noun

1. a trivial conversation; chat

Other Word Forms

• schmoozer noun

Etymology

Origin of schmooze

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; from Yiddish, verb use of schmues, from Hebrew shəmūʿōth “reports, gossip”

Example Sentences

Upper middle-class scions who went to the right schools, schmoozed at the right parties, and waited their respective turns for their time in the spotlight.

From Salon

The relaxed nature of the show gives honorees room to roam with their speeches and also offers current Oscar contenders a chance to schmooze with voters.

From Los Angeles Times

After 4 p.m., they have ample time to clean up their books, meet with co-workers, schmooze with clients, and grab some sleep.

From Barron's

Think of John Prescott's booming tones that connected with some voters and party members who didn't much like Tony Blair's silken schmooze.

From BBC

“She came out to schmooze with the customers, and I went, “This is the one,’” said Siegel, who hails from what he billed “the Jewish Alps” — the Catskill Mountains in New York.

From Los Angeles Times