cross-talk

cross-talk

Two colleagues engage in cross-talk during a meeting.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Unwanted signal interference: In telecommunications, "cross-talk" refers to the unwanted transfer of signals between communication channels, causing a listener to hear another conversation in the background.
    • Interruption or side conversation: In a meeting or discussion, "cross-talk" means simultaneous or overlapping speech, often when participants talk over one another or engage in private conversations.
    • Witty retort: A humorous or sharp reply made in conversation, often as a quick comeback.
Usage Examples
  • Unwanted signal interference:
    • The phone call was ruined by cross-talk from another line. (Background noise from another channel.)
  • Interruption or side conversation:
    • During the lecture, there was too much cross-talk among the students. (Private chatter interfering with the main discussion.)
  • Witty retort:
    • Her cross-talk about the politician's mistake made everyone laugh. (A clever and humorous comment.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to reduce cross-talk": To minimize interference or side conversations.

    • Engineers installed shielding to reduce cross-talk in the cables. (To prevent signal leakage.)

  • "cross-talk in a debate": Overlapping arguments or interruptions during formal discussion.

    • The moderator asked the panelists to avoid cross-talk to maintain order. (To stop speaking over each other.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Crosstalk (n): Alternative spelling, common in technical contexts.

    • The network cable suffered from crosstalk, causing data errors. (Signal interference.)

  • Cross-talking (adj): Describing a situation where cross-talk occurs.

    • The cross-talking lines made the audio recording unusable. (Lines with interference.)
Synonyms
  • Interference: Unwanted disruption of a signal.
  • Chatter: Casual or irrelevant conversation.
  • Repartee: A quick, witty reply.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Talk across: To speak over someone else.
    • Please don't talk across the speaker; wait your turn. (Interrupt by speaking simultaneously.)
Related Idioms

  • Cross wires: To have a misunderstanding, often due to communication errors.

    • We got our wires crossed and missed the meeting. (Miscommunication similar to cross-talk.)

  • Talk out of turn: To speak when it is not appropriate or allowed.

    • He was scolded for talking out of turn during the ceremony. (Speaking at the wrong time, like cross-talk.)