Talk Shop
Meaning
To discuss matters related to one's profession or work, often in a social setting where it might be inappropriate or uninteresting to others.
Origin
The phrase "talk shop" emerged in 19th-century England, rooted in the literal meaning of a "shop" as a place of business or craft. When tradesmen, artisans, or merchants gathered outside their workplaces—perhaps at a pub after hours—they would invariably fall into conversation about their craft, customers, challenges, and successes. This familiar patter, often filled with technical jargon or specific industry anecdotes, was considered "talking shop"—a discussion intimately tied to their professional lives, sometimes to the exclusion or boredom of those outside their particular trade. The phrase vividly captures this common human tendency to revert to one's professional world, even in leisure.
Examples
- I know we're at a party, but let's try not to talk shop all evening; there are plenty of other interesting things to discuss.
- Even during their lunch break, the engineers couldn't resist talking shop about the new project.