small talk
Casual light conversation
Small talk is light, casual conversation about uncontroversial topics—weather, weekend plans, how someone's day is going.
It serves social lubrication rather than information exchange, filling silence and establishing rapport: We made small talk while waiting for the meeting to start.
The term often carries a faintly dismissive tone, implying conversation without substance.
Polite conversational formalities
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- chitchatInformal light conversation
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- chatInformal verbal exchange
natter · prattle · chinwag · gabfest · confab · schmooze · tête-à-tête · idle chatter
Tension-easing social activity
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- mingleInteract socially with others
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- meet-and-greetScheduled public introduction
cocktail party · reception · mixer · interaction · acquaintance · civilities · engagement · first impressions
pleasantries
Polite conversational formalities
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- chitchatInformal light conversation
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
chat · natter · prattle · chinwag · gabfest · confab · schmooze · tête-à-tête · idle chatter · shooting the breeze
icebreaker
Tension-easing social activity
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- mingleInteract socially with others
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
meet-and-greet · cocktail party · reception · mixer · interaction · acquaintance · civilities · engagement · first impressions · warming up
- communicationtelephone, conversation, inform, hand signal, messages
- social interactiongreeting, hello, goodbye, hi, bye
- American customsThanksgiving, Fourth of July, tipping, tailgating, Halloween
- chatterchat, chatter, chatting, chitchat, chit-chat
- chitchatbanter, chitchat, chatter, chat, idle chat
- conversation tacticsactive listening, mirroring, deflection, changing subject, closed questions
small talkintellectual debate
Formal exchange of reasoned arguments
big talk · real talk · intellectual discourse · in-depth analysis
small talkheart-to-heart
Sincere personal discussion
soul-baring · confession · pillow talk · true confessions · baring one's soul
talk, small, talking, smaller, talkative, smallest, smallness, smallish, smalls