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[1028] Schmooze

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English Idioms
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Explanation

  • To talk informally and aimiably with someone, often in a way that is perceived as insincere or ingratiating, typically to gain favor, business advantages, or make connections.

Origin

  • From Yiddish shmuesn (שמועסן), meaning to chat or converse.
  • In English, it gained the connotation of chatting for a purpose, often involving flattery or networking in a social setting, sometimes with a slightly negative implication of insincerity.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Network. (More neutral term)
  • Hobnob. (Socialize with people of higher status, can sound slightly dated)
  • Mingle. (Mix socially, less implication of purpose)
  • Butter someone up. (Flatter someone to gain favor, more direct)
  • Suck up to someone. (Informal, negative try to win favor by flattery/servility)
  • Rub elbows with. (Socialize with important people)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Work the room. (Move around a social event talking to many people, often for networking)
  • Kiss ass. / Brown-nose. (Vulgar/Informal, negative excessive, insincere flattery for gain)

Formal/Neutral:

  • Engage in networking.
  • Build rapport.
  • Cultivate relationships.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal.
  • Can carry a slightly negative connotation of insincerity, so be mindful of context. Calling someone a schmoozer isn't always a compliment.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might not grasp the subtle connotation of ingratiating oneself or networking for gain, thinking it just means chatting. Explain the implied purposefulness.

Examples

  • He spent the entire conference schmoozing with potential clients.
  • Networking events often involve a lot of schmoozing.
  • She's great at schmoozing; she always knows the right people.

Dialogue

Person A: Did you see Alex at the party? He didn't stop talking to the executives.

Person B: Oh yeah, he was definitely schmoozing. Trying to get noticed for that new project lead role, I bet.

Person A: Probably. A little schmoozing can go a long way sometimes.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Survived another industry networking event. Maximum schmoozing achieved. Now I need a nap. #networking #introvertproblems
  • LinkedIn Post: Is 'schmoozing' a necessary evil in business, or can genuine connection win? Let's discuss. #business #networking #authenticity

Response Patterns

  • Yeah, it's part of the game, I guess.
  • I hate having to schmooze.
  • Some people are naturals at it.
  • Did it work? Did they get what they wanted?
  • It can feel so fake sometimes.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • People might discuss the effectiveness of the schmoozing (Did he make any good connections?).
  • They might express their own feelings about schmoozing (dislike, necessity).
  • The person schmoozing continues their networking/ingratiating efforts.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Usually describes behavior observed or discussed.

Intonation

  • Can be neutral, slightly dismissive, or even admiring depending on the context.
  • Stress is on the SCHMOOZE syllable.
  • Example: He was SCHMOOZ-ing all night.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood, perhaps slightly more common among Gen X and Baby Boomers, but still used by younger generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in American English, influenced by Yiddish. Understood in other regions but perhaps used less frequently than networking or chatting up.
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