small talk

¹

noun

1. light conversation; chitchat.

   Synonyms: gossip, chatter, banter

small-talk

²

[smawl-tawk]

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in or have a propensity for small talk.

small talk

noun

1. light conversation for social occasions

Word History and Origins

Origin of small talk¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Origin of small talk²

First recorded in 1780–90

Idioms and Phrases

Casual or trivial conversation, chitchat, as in We stood around making small talk until the guest of honor arrived. The small in this expression alludes to unimportant subjects of conversation, as opposed to serious or weighty ones. [Mid-1700s]

Example Sentences

She’s presenting herself as a sweet, affable wife whose ability to make small talk with important people offers a useful moderating force on her snarling bully of a husband.

From Salon

I know my date's name and I've seen her photo, but there's been none of the usual small talk messaging - just a few words to confirm I'm looking forward to meeting, and that's it.

From BBC

The typical awkward small talk of former coworkers quickly ramped up to absurd levels thanks to the Ye's increasingly erratic behavior in the last decade.

From Salon

Who knows, after several stints of small talk, you might have a new pal, or realize you have nothing in common.

From Los Angeles Times

We began with some very brief small talk, which always helps to break the ice before a formal sit down, but we didn't touch the topic at hand until the cameras started rolling.

From BBC

Related Words

• blather 
• chatter 
• chitchat 
• pleasantry