bull session
/'bul'seʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - An informal, often lengthy, discussion among a small group of people, typically characterized by a free exchange of ideas, opinions, and stories, without a formal agenda or goal. It is often associated with casual, friendly conversation, traditionally among men.
Usage
- Used as a countable noun.
- Describes a relaxed, unstructured conversation, often occurring late at night or in a casual setting.
- The tone is typically friendly, rambling, and can cover a wide range of topics.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The term can imply a sense of camaraderie and bonding through shared, meandering conversation.
- While the reference notes a traditional association with men, modern usage can apply to any informal group discussion, though the gendered history of the term is often acknowledged.
Variants and Related Words
- Chat (n/v): A brief, informal conversation.
- Rap session (n): A similar informal discussion, often with a focus on exchanging views on specific issues.
- Gabfest (n): (Informal) A prolonged period of casual talk or chatter.
Synonyms
- Informal discussion
- Chat
- Talk
- Confabulation (more formal)
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Shoot the breeze: To engage in casual, aimless conversation.
- We didn't talk about anything important, just shot the breeze for a couple of hours. (This is similar in spirit to a bull session but is a verbal phrase describing the action.)
Noun
- an informal discussion (usually among men)