noun / verb
palaver
puh-LAH-ver/pəˈlɑːvər/
Lengthy talk, especially persuasion or idle conversation.
The committee's palaver continues around a table covered with papers.
Etymology
Portuguese palavra simply meant “word” or “talk.” In English, palaver described a conference or tedious discussion, then acquired the dismissive sense of excessive, idle talk.
In context
Master Pedro did not care to engage in any more palaver with Don Quixote …
More examples
- Despite all his palaver, I still refuse to sign.
- They palaver over coffee until the cafe closes.
- We palavered for an hour without reaching a decision.
Forms
palaver · palavers · palavered · palavering
Similar words
- chatter
- Emphasizes casual, lively talk rather than prolonged persuasion.
- discussion
- Suggests a purposeful exchange without implying excessive length.
- blather
- More strongly dismisses lengthy talk as foolish or pointless.