conversation-stopper
Discussion-ending comment
A conversation-stopper is a remark or revelation so awkward, shocking, or definitive that it kills the flow of discussion.
The term applies to comments that leave others speechless or make continuing feel impossible: Mentioning his prison time was a real conversation-stopper.
It can describe genuinely uncomfortable moments or be used humorously for statements that simply end debate: Well, that's a conversation-stopper.
Uncomfortable lull in conversation
- faux pasSocial misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
- misstepError in action or judgment
taboo · inappropriateness · indiscretion · gaucherie · cringe · overshare · TMI · tactlessness
Shocking sudden revelation
- stunnerPerson or thing overwhelming
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- speechlessUnable to talk
- gobsmackedExtremely astonished
thunderstruck · showstopper · mic drop · truth bomb · blurt · dumbfounded · flabbergast · whopper
Passage without outlet
- last wordConcluding remark in debate
- mic dropTriumphant performance-ending gesture
- final sayUltimate deciding authority
- ultimatumNon-negotiable final terms
pronouncement · declaration · full stop · period · end of discussion · case closed · done deal
Antagonistic disposition toward others
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- accusationClaim someone did wrong
- insultOffensive remark or action
- conflictOpposition between parties
antagonism · put-down · barb · slight · jab · cutting remark · low blow · cheap shot
awkward silence
Uncomfortable lull in conversation
misstep · taboo · inappropriateness · indiscretion · gaucherie · cringe · overshare · TMI · tactlessness · indelicacy
bombshell
Shocking sudden revelation
- stunnerPerson or thing overwhelming
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- speechlessUnable to talk
gobsmacked · thunderstruck · showstopper · mic drop · truth bomb · blurt · dumbfounded · flabbergast · whopper · zinger
dead end
Passage without outlet
- last wordConcluding remark in debate
- mic dropTriumphant performance-ending gesture
- final sayUltimate deciding authority
ultimatum · pronouncement · declaration · full stop · period · end of discussion · case closed · done deal
hostility
Antagonistic disposition toward others
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- accusationClaim someone did wrong
- insultOffensive remark or action
conflict · antagonism · put-down · barb · slight · jab · cutting remark · low blow · cheap shot · dig
conversation-stoppericebreaker
Tension-easing social activity
conversation starter · ice-breaker · conversation piece · opening line · talking point
conversation-stoppercrowd-pleaser
Broadly appealing entertainment
witty remark · bon mot · charmer · winning line · small talk
conversation, stopper, converse, conversing, conversed, converses, conversational, conversationally, conversant