schmooze
Say it: SHMOOZ /ʃmuːz/ · verb
What “schmooze” means
Chat warmly and flatter someone, often to win their favour.
More precisely: To chat in a friendly, flattering way, often to win favour.
Example: “He spent the conference schmoozing investors at the bar.”
When to use it
Use it for friendly networking that involves charm or flattery, especially at work events. It sounds informal and slightly knowing.
Similar words
network, hobnob, chat up
Where it comes from
Yiddish shmuesn, 'to chat'.
Quick check
At a reception, you chat warmly with the organiser and praise her work, hoping she'll invite you again. You…
schmooze or negotiate?
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schmooze
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