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

1. flattery designed to gain favor