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Palaver: meaning, definitions and examples

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palaver

 

[ pəˈlævər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

excessive talk

Palaver refers to prolonged or idle discussion, often filled with unnecessary or irrelevant talk. This term can also describe a talk intended to persuade or impress. The word is commonly used to suggest that the conversation is more about show than substance. In various contexts, it can imply a sense of exhaustion over petty chatter.

Synonyms

bother, conference, nonsense, parley, tattle.

Examples of usage

  • There was a lot of palaver at the meeting but little was accomplished.
  • The palaver over dinner lasted for hours but did not lead to any decisions.
  • He sighed as the palaver continued, knowing they needed to focus.
  • The palaver among the politicians was just a way to delay the decision.
Context #2 | Verb

to talk idly

To palaver means to talk unnecessarily or excessively, often lacking a clear purpose. This usage emphasizes the act of engaging in idle chatter or discussions that lead to no productive outcome. It can involve persuading someone, often in a more elaborate and perhaps disingenuous manner.

Synonyms

blather, chat, jabber, prattle, talk.

Examples of usage

  • They palavered about the weather for what felt like an eternity.
  • Let's not palaver too much and get down to business.
  • She tends to palaver when nervous, filling the gaps with chatter.
  • They palavered to convince him to join their plan.

Translations

Translations of the word "palaver" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conversa

🇮🇳 बातचीत

🇩🇪 Schwatz

🇮🇩 obrolan

🇺🇦 балаканина

🇵🇱 gawęda

🇯🇵 無駄話

🇫🇷 parlotte

🇪🇸 charla

🇹🇷 sohbet

🇰🇷 잡담

🇸🇦 حديث فارغ

🇨🇿 žvanění

🇸🇰 kecanie

🇨🇳 闲聊

🇸🇮 klepet

🇮🇸 samskipti

🇰🇿 сөз таластыру

🇬🇪 გაუბედურება

🇦🇿 boş söhbət

🇲🇽 charlas

Etymology

The term 'palaver' originated in the early 17th century from the Spanish word 'palabra', which means 'word'. It was first used in the context of discussions or talks among sailors, often referring to idle talk or chatter while they were at sea. The term carried a connotation of unnecessary discussion, especially when contrasted with more urgent matters that needed attention. Over time, it was adopted into English and began to encompass broader meanings related to excessive and often trivial discourse. The word has roots in various cultures and languages, reflecting a shared inclination towards verbal communication, sometimes at the expense of action. Palaver thus evolved to embody a sense of weariness or exasperation with overly lengthy conversations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,168 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.