palaver

¹pa·lav·er

noun \pə-ˈla-vər, -ˈlä-\

Definition of PALAVER

1

a : a long parley usually between persons of different cultures or levels of sophistication b : conference, discussion

2

a : idle talk b : misleading or beguiling speech

Examples of PALAVER

1. Enough of this palaver. We have a lot to discuss.
2. <seemingly endless palaver between the negotiating parties>

Origin of PALAVER

Portuguese palavra word, speech, from Late Latin parabola parable, speech

First Known Use: 1735

Related to PALAVER

Synonyms: argument, argumentation, argy-bargy [chiefly British], back-and-forth, colloquy, confab, confabulation, conference, consult, consultation, council, counsel, debate, deliberation, dialogue (also dialog), give-and-take, discussion, parley, talk

Related Words: bull session, chat room, forum, meeting, powwow, roundtable, seminar, skull session (also skull practice), symposium, talkathon; chat, conversation, rap, words; discourse, disquisition; bargaining, consultancy, negotiation, pourparler

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Rhymes with PALAVER

cadaver