small talk

¹

noun

1. light conversation; chitchat.

   Synonyms: gossip, chatter, banter

small-talk

²

[smawl-tawk]

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in or have a propensity for small talk.

small talk

noun

1. light conversation for social occasions

Word History and Origins

Origin of small talk¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Origin of small talk²

First recorded in 1780–90

Idioms and Phrases

Casual or trivial conversation, chitchat, as in We stood around making small talk until the guest of honor arrived. The small in this expression alludes to unimportant subjects of conversation, as opposed to serious or weighty ones. [Mid-1700s]

Example Sentences

Ma, on the other hand, loves small talk.

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Smile, give them candy and make small talk.

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We make small talk as I’m escorted with my tea.

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There was no small talk required to break the ice between these two leaders who have become unlikely friends.

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I tried to distract her with small talk about the view and the weather.

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Related Words

• blather 
• chatter 
• chitchat 
• pleasantry