Schmooze
Meaning
To chat idly or gossip, especially with the intention of gaining favor, making connections, or impressing someone.
Origin
The word "schmooze" arrived in English straight from Yiddish, originating from the term "shmuz" or "shmues," which simply meant "chat" or "gossip." This Yiddish word itself traces back to the Hebrew "shmu'ot," meaning "news" or "rumors." As Yiddish-speaking immigrants arrived in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their vibrant language with them. "Schmooze" quickly found a home in American English, particularly within bustling business and entertainment circles, where it perfectly captured the art of engaging in seemingly casual conversation with an underlying goal of building relationships or advancing one's interests. It's a word that evokes the lively, strategic chatter of social climbers and networkers alike.
Examples
- He spent the entire networking event trying to schmooze with the investors, hoping to secure funding for his startup.
- If you want that promotion, you'll need to learn how to schmooze effectively with the senior management during company parties.