sweet talk
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * Persuasive or insincere flattery designed to gain favor, approval, or something desired. It refers to charming, complimentary, and often exaggerated speech used to influence someone's feelings or decisions.
Usage
- "Sweet talk" is an uncountable noun. You do not say "a sweet talk" or "sweet talks."
- It is commonly used with verbs like use, give (someone), fall for, be immune to, and see through.
- It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying the flattery is not entirely genuine and has an ulterior motive.
Examples
- He used a lot of sweet talk to get her to agree to the deal.
- Don't fall for his sweet talk; he just wants to borrow your car.
- She saw right through his sweet talk and refused his request.
- A little sweet talk might convince the boss to give us an extra day off.
Advanced Usage
- "to be all sweet talk": To be characterized by or full of insincere flattery.
- Be careful, his promises are all sweet talk.
- "sweet-talk" as a verb (hyphenated): To use sweet talk on someone; to coax or persuade with flattery.
- He tried to sweet-talk his way out of trouble.
- She sweet-talked her father into buying her a new phone.
Variants and Related Words
- Sweet-talker (n): A person who habitually uses sweet talk.
- He's a charming sweet-talker, so be skeptical of his promises.
Synonyms
- Flattery
- Blandishments
- Cajolery
- Soft soap (informal)
- Honeyed words
Related Idioms
- Lay it on thick: To exaggerate praise or flattery greatly.
- He was really laying it on thick when he complimented her cooking.
- Butter someone up: To flatter someone excessively, especially to gain a favor.
- He's just buttering you up so you'll do his work for him.
Noun
- flattery designed to gain favor