Buttonholing: meaning, definitions and examples
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buttonholing
[ ˈbʌtənˌhoʊlɪŋ ]
informal situation
Buttonholing refers to the act of detaining someone, usually in a social setting, to engage them in conversation or to persuade them. The term is often used in political contexts, where a candidate or their representative may buttonhole a voter to discuss issues and gain support. It implies a level of persistence or determination in seeking the individual's attention, typically in a casual or unplanned manner.
Synonyms
corner, detain, hold, intercept.
Examples of usage
- The politician was buttonholing voters at the town fair.
- He found himself buttonholed by an old acquaintance at the party.
- At the conference, attendees were often buttonholed by eager salespeople.
Translations
Translations of the word "buttonholing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 botão de casaco
🇮🇳 बटनहोलिंग
🇩🇪 Knopfloch
🇮🇩 buttonholing
🇺🇦 кнопковий отвір
🇵🇱 dziurka na guzik
🇯🇵 ボタンホール
🇫🇷 boutonnage
🇪🇸 buttonholing
🇹🇷 buton delik
🇰🇷 버튼홀링
🇸🇦 ثقب الزر
🇨🇿 knoflíkový otvor
🇸🇰 gombíkový otvor
🇨🇳 扣眼
🇸🇮 gumbna luknja
🇮🇸 hnappagöt
🇰🇿 түйме тесігі
🇬🇪 ბუტონის ხვრელი
🇦🇿 düğmə dəliyi
🇲🇽 buttonholing
Etymology
The term 'buttonhole' traces its origins to the late 19th century, deriving from the literal act of seizing someone's buttonhole while engaging in conversation. Originally, to 'buttonhole' someone meant to hold onto their buttonhole, thereby preventing them from leaving a conversation. This was reflective of the social norms of the time, where physical proximity indicated a more intimate or pressing conversation. The usage evolved, and by the early 20th century, 'buttonholing' began to be associated with the idea of persistently engaging someone in discussion, especially in a political or persuasive context. The notion of 'buttonholing' has persisted into modern times, maintaining connotations of urgency and insistence.