conversation stopper
Awkward remark made
A conversation stopper is a remark or revelation so awkward, shocking, or definitive that it kills the flow of discussion.
The term describes statements that leave others unsure how to respond, whether because they're inappropriately personal, unexpectedly blunt, or simply end debate: Mentioning my divorce was a real conversation stopper at the dinner party.
Something can function as a conversation stopper intentionally or by accident.
- dead airUnintended broadcast quiet
- awkward silenceUncomfortable lull in conversation
- hushAbsence of sound
- pregnant pauseSignificant silence conveying unspoken meaning
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
remark · awkwardness · silence · comment · foot-in-mouth · tension · non sequitur · taboo · offense · bluntness · speechless · shift · freeze · shock value · TMI · too much information · crickets · stare
conversation stoppericebreaker
Tension-easing social activity
conversation starter · talking point · opening line · crowd-pleaser · bon mot
conversation stoppericebreaker
Tension-easing social activity
conversation starter · social lubricant · talking point · opener · lead-in
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