Word: Shmooze
Part of Speech: Verb (and can also be used as a noun)
Definition: "Shmooze" is a casual and friendly way of talking with someone. It often involves chatting idly or trying to make a connection, sometimes for networking or social purposes. The word comes from Yiddish, which is a language spoken by Ashkenazi Jews.
Usage Instructions: You can use "shmooze" when you refer to informal conversations where people are getting to know each other or building relationships, especially in social or business settings.
As a Verb:
As a Noun:
In more advanced contexts, "shmooze" can imply that the conversation is not just friendly but may also involve some strategic thinking, like networking for professional gain.
While "shmooze" primarily means to chat in a friendly way, it can also imply that the conversation is somewhat superficial or not very serious.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "shmooze," but you might hear phrases like: - "Shoot the breeze" – This means to have a casual conversation, similar to shmoozing. - "Catch up" – This can also mean to have a friendly chat, often about what has happened since the last time you spoke.
In summary, "shmooze" is a friendly, informal way to talk with others, often used in social and networking contexts.