Schmooze

Pronunciation : ˈshmüz (sh-moo-ze)
Definition:
1) to converse informally
2) to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections
Example Sentence: My brother likes to schmooze with strangers when we are out places and it makes me want to evaporate into nothingness.

Some Fun Thoughts:

For those that like a little linguistics in their day: Schmooze comes from from Hebrew shěmu’ōth, "news" or "rumor."

What’s super cool about this word is that there are two, almost contrasting meanings. One means to make small talk and light conversation (what my brother does with strangers in a cab); and the other means to make friendly conversation by trying to gain something (what people do at business conferences). The word is actually more commonly used to describe the latter than it is the former.

As someone who hates small talk, I think this word is really interesting because as I consider bother definitions, I can see their meaning deriving completely from perspective. Allow me to explain: I hate small talk because it seems fake and forced. Why are we talking about the weather… tell me what you want. That’s always my thought. I go into these conversations thinking light talk is trying to lead to something bigger and better, and if I engage in it, I feel fake because I’m not talking about anything real. I don’t want to be schmoozed and don’t like schmoozing! BUT! For someone like my brother that thrives on small talk, he is making connections in a low-stakes, informal manner. Just passing time by connecting lightly with people. Even if this person is someone that he wants something from, light conversation is just a way to get some people to put their guard down and open up a little. I hate it, he likes it. The negative connotation that I place on schmoozing (the second definition) is seldom there for someone like my brother that is fantastic at small talk. Our perceptions change how and when we see words as positive or negative, and this abstraction and fluidity of language is one of my favorite things about it.

I’ve talked a lot today. Hope you didn’t feel like I schmoozed you… I hate that. Anyways! See you tomorrow.