spiel
[speel, shpeel]Informal.
- a usually high-flown talk or speech, especially for the purpose of luring people to a movie, a sale, etc.; pitch.
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- to speak extravagantly.
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Origin of spiel
1890–95; (noun) < German Spiel or Yiddish shpil play, game; (v.) < German spielen or Yiddish shpiln to play, gamble
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for spiel
Contemporary Examples
When the crew finally reaches the tribe, they give them their spiel.
Historical Examples
I wonder the guards don't refuse their spiel at my coming and going.
Secret Memoirs: The Story of Louise, Crown PrincessHenry W. Fischer
"Aw, boss, that was part of the spiel," he confessed frankly.
From Place to PlaceIrvin S. Cobb
That was what worried me most,—could I come across with the standin' spiel?
Torchy, Private Sec.Sewell Ford
"I don't get it," I said politely, when he'd finished his spiel.
The Dope on MarsJohn Michael Sharkey
The boys want me to make a spiel, but the saw is more in my line.
The Lumberjack Sky PilotThomas D. Whittles
spiel
- a glib plausible style of talk, associated esp with salesmen
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- (intr) to deliver a prepared spiel
- (tr usually foll by off) to recite (a prepared oration)
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Word Origin
C19: from German Spiel play
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for spiel
n.
"glib speech, pitch," 1896, probably from verb (1894) meaning "to speak in a glib manner," earlier "to play circus music" (1870), from German spielen "to play," from Old High German spilon (cognate with Old English spilian "to play"). The noun also perhaps from German Spiel "play, game."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper