small-talk

¹ American  

[smawl-tawk] / ˈsmɔlˌtɔk /

verb (used without object)

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

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small talk ² American  

noun

1. light conversation; chitchat.

   Synonyms:

   gossip, chatter, banter

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small talk British  

noun

1. light conversation for social occasions

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small talk Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of small-talk¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Origin of small talk¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

For several years they were blissfully free of loud colleagues and agonizing small talk.

From The Wall Street Journal

She half-expected to suffer through another week of lackluster group excursions and awkward small talk.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ma, on the other hand, loves small talk.

From Literature

Smile, give them candy and make small talk.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blather
• chatter
• chitchat
• pleasantry