Talky - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

descriptive conversation

The term 'talky' is used to describe a style or piece of film, theater, or literature that is characterized by an excessive amount of dialogue. It often suggests that the work may prioritize conversations over action or visual storytelling. While a talky piece can engage audiences through compelling dialogue, it may also risk alienating those who prefer a more dynamic narrative. The term can be applied more broadly to describe people who are particularly chatty or loquacious. Generally, talky works tend to focus heavily on character development and exposition through spoken words.

Synonyms

chatty, garrulous, loquacious, verbose, windy.

Examples of usage

The movie was very talky and lacked significant action.
She found the play enjoyable, even though it was quite talky.
Critics described the film as being excessively talky and slow.
I prefer films that are less talky and more visually stimulating.

Interesting Facts

Film and Entertainment

Talky films often rely on conversation to develop characters and advance the plot rather than action sequences.
Genres like drama and comedy often feature talky elements, emphasizing witty dialogue and complex character interactions.
Some critics argue that too much dialogue can make a film less exciting, leading to a preference for more dynamic storytelling.

Cultural Significance

In storytelling, a talky structure allows for character development and thematic exploration through dialogue.
Talky films are often seen as an art form that focuses on the human experience and relationships.
In various cultures, talky film styles have influenced the production of plays, series, and even modern podcasts.

Psychology

Watching talky films can engage viewers' ability to interpret verbal cues and understand subtext in conversations.
Engaging with dialogue-heavy content may improve conversational skills and empathy through relatable character interactions.
Research suggests that dialogue-heavy narratives can enhance memory retention of plot points and character traits due to their cognitive demands.

Literature

The format of talky works is common in plays and novels, where characters express emotions and thoughts through rich dialogue.
Writers often use 'talky' elements to create tension or humor, relying on banter or conflicts in conversations.
Famous authors like Oscar Wilde and Tennessee Williams are known for their mastery of witty and meaningful dialogue in their works.

Origin of 'talky'

Main points about word origin

The word 'talky' comes from the early days of cinema when filmmakers began using sound and dialogue in movies.
It was popularized in the late 1920s to distinguish silent films from those featuring dialogue.
The first 'talkie' film was 'The Jazz Singer', released in 1927, which transformed the entertainment industry.

The word 'talky' emerged in the early 20th century, originally serving as a colloquialism for films that featured synchronized sound, particularly dialogue, as opposed to the silent films that preceded them. The first significant use of the term can be traced back to the late 1920s, during the transition to 'talkies,' a term specifically referring to motion pictures with sound. As 'talky' evolved, it began to acquire a broader application beyond cinema, entering the realm of literature and everyday speech to describe any overly conversational or dialogue-heavy content. The playful suffix '-y' has historically been added to various nouns to create informal adjectives, underscoring its usage in vernacular English. Over the decades, the usage of 'talky' has fluctuated, but it remains a recognized descriptor in both artistic critique and casual conversation.

Talky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations