shop-talk
Definition
Noun: "shop-talk" refers to conversation about one's work or profession, especially when such discussion is considered uninteresting or inappropriate for a social setting.
Usage Examples
- (Conversation about work matters in a social context.)
- (Professional discussion among colleagues.)
- (Work-related conversation avoided in personal settings.)
Advanced Usage
"To indulge in shop-talk": to spend time discussing work matters, often to the exclusion of other topics.
- The conference attendees indulged in shop-talk during the coffee break. (They focused on professional topics.)
"Shop-talk ban": a rule or informal agreement to avoid work-related conversation.
- The book club has a shop-talk ban to encourage diverse discussions. (A prohibition on work talk.)
Variants and Related Words
Shop (noun): a place where goods or services are sold, or a workplace (e.g., "machine shop").
- He works at a car repair shop. (A place of work.)
Talk (noun/verb): spoken communication.
- We had a friendly talk about the weather. (Casual conversation.)
Synonyms
- Work talk: conversation about one's job.
- Business chatter: informal discussion about professional matters.
- Office gossip: talk about workplace events or people (often less formal).
Related Idioms
"To talk shop": to discuss one's work, especially in a social setting.
- The doctors always talk shop at dinner, discussing patient cases. (They engage in professional conversation.)
"Shop-talk is boring": a common sentiment expressing disinterest in work-related topics outside of work.
- "Let's not get into shop-talk," she said, changing the subject. (She avoided work discussion.)