- To discuss topics related to one's work, business, or profession, especially in a social setting where such conversation might be considered inappropriate or boring to others.
Explanation
Origin
- Dates back to the mid-19th century.
- Shop historically referred to a place of work or trade (workshop, print shop, etc.).
- Talking shop meant discussing the affairs of one's trade.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Nerd out about work (Implies enthusiasm, less negative than 'talk shop' can sometimes be)
- Geek out over [work topic]
- Talking work stuff
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not commonly expressed with vulgarity, as it's usually a mild social faux pas. Perhaps indirectly: Are they still fucking talking about work?
Milder/Formal:
- Discuss professional matters
- Converse about our occupations
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Often used to gently signal that work conversation is inappropriate for the current social setting (e.g., party, dinner, weekend).
- Can be neutral if used descriptively (We spent an hour talking shop).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward. Non-native speakers might not immediately grasp that it often implies the conversation is happening in an inappropriate (social) context.
Examples
- Let's not talk shop at dinner; we need a break.
- The engineers were talking shop about the latest software update.
- Sorry, we tend to talk shop whenever we get together.
Dialogue
Anna: ...and then the Q3 projections came in lower than expected, mainly due to the supply chain issues we discussed...
Mark: (Interrupting gently) Hey, guys, can we not talk shop tonight? Let's just relax.
Chloe: Oh, yeah, sorry Mark. You're right. Did anyone try that new restaurant downtown yet?
Anna: Good call. No shop talk! I heard the pasta there is amazing.
Social Media Examples
- Twitter: Met up with some old colleagues. Tried not to, but ended up talking shop for an hour. #worklife #networking
- Facebook status: Rule for tonight's BBQ: No talking shop! Let's just enjoy the summer. ☀️
- Instagram caption (photo of friends): Great catching up with these folks! Managed to avoid talking shop... mostly 😉.
Response Patterns
If someone suggests *not* talking shop:
- Agreement: You're right, let's change the subject., Good idea., Agreed.
- Mild protest/Explanation: Oh, sorry, force of habit.
If someone observes others talking shop:
- Neutral observation: Looks like they're talking shop over there.
- Mild complaint (to a third party): Are they ever going to stop talking shop?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting not to talk shop:
- Someone usually changes the subject: So, did you see the game last night?, How was your vacation?
After acknowledging talking shop:
- The speakers might consciously switch topics.
- Or, they might continue if the context allows (e.g., everyone present is in the same field).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a description of a type of conversation, or a request to stop it. Not an opener.
Intonation
- Neutral tone generally.
- Stress often falls on TALK and SHOP.
- Can sometimes have a slightly apologetic or weary tone if used to stop the behavior (e.g., Enough talking shop!).
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations. The social norms around when it's acceptable to talk shop might vary slightly, but the term itself is common.
Regional Variations
- Common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).