palaver

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun flattery intended to persuade
  2. noun loud and confused and empty talk
  3. verb speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

Etymology

Originally nautical slang, from Portuguese palavra (“word”), from Late Latin parabola (“parable, speech”). The term's use (especially in Africa) mimics the evolution of the word moot. As such, for sense development, see moot. Doublet of parable, parole, and parabola.

In classic literature

Synonyms

blandishment, cajolery

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