Palaver

usgb/pəˈlɑːvər,pəˈlævər/
noun

Unnecessary talk that is not important or productive.

Please, no more palaver. Just tell me what happened
Visual representation of "palaver" - Unnecessary talk that is not important or productive

Often appears as...

  • to cause a palaver
  • quite a palaver

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "palaver"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Avoid Overuse

Use 'palaver' to suggest conversation is too lengthy and unnecessary, but don’t overuse it or it loses impact.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
After an hour of palaver, we finally got to the point.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Colloquial Tone

Suitable for casual conversations, 'palaver' may seem out of place in very formal or academic situations.

Illustration for Colloquial Tone
I enjoy our lunchtime palavers, they're quite relaxing.
Visual representation of the word "Palaver"

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