table talk

Mealtime verbal exchange

Table talk is casual conversation during a meal, especially the kind of relaxed, informal discussion that happens when people gather around a dinner table.

The term suggests pleasant social exchange rather than serious business: The table talk turned to summer vacation plans.

In card games, table talk refers to communication between partners that violates the rules—hints or signals about one's hand that players aren't supposed to share.

conversation

discussion

Exchange of ideas

chat · discourse · exchange · gossip · repartee · chitchat · tête-à-tête · heart-to-heart · pleasantries · storytelling

mealtime

dinner conversation

grace · toast · blessing · hosting · guesting · place setting · passing dishes

topics

politics

Governmental power struggles

  • weatherAtmospheric state outdoors
  • sportsCompetitive physical activities
  • workEffort toward a goal

family news · recipes · current events · movies · weekend plans · school · health · hobbies · relationships · memories

Categories
Opposites
formality of discourse

table talkcourtroom testimony

Sworn statements in trial

press conference · keynote address · parliamentary debate · prepared remarks · academic discourse

communication mode

table talkwritten correspondence

Exchanged messages on paper

formal letter · legal document · scholarly article · recorded statement

social intimacy

table talkpublic address

Broadcast communication system

mass communication · broadcast · proclamation · press release · press statement

Family

talk, table, tablet, tablespoon, tabloid, tableware, tabulate, tabling, tabulation

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G