palaver

[puh-lav-er]

palaver Definition

• 1. prolonged and idle discussion
• 2. talk that is not honest or meaningful
• 3. a loud and confused noise

Using palaver: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "palaver" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  We had a long palaver about the new project, but nothing was decided.

• Example

  He's always palavering on about politics, but he never does anything about it.

• Example

  The children were making a terrible palaver in the next room.

palaver Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for palaver

• chatter
• gossip
• babble
• prattle
• blather

Antonyms for palaver

• quiet
• silence

Phrases with palaver

• make a palaver

  to make a fuss or commotion

  Example

  The guests made a palaver when they found out there was no more food.

• palaver merchant

  a person who talks excessively and often dishonestly

  Example

  Don't believe him, he's just a palaver merchant.

• endless palaver

  a situation where people talk for a long time without achieving anything

  Example

  The meeting turned into an endless palaver with no decisions made.

Origins of palaver

from Portuguese 'palavra', meaning 'word'

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Summary: palaver in Brief

'Palaver' [puh-lav-er] refers to prolonged and meaningless discussions, dishonest talk, or loud and confused noise. It is often used in phrases like 'make a palaver,' which means to make a fuss, and 'palaver merchant,' which refers to someone who talks excessively and often dishonestly.