blarney: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, often humorous, or literary
Quick answer
What does “blarney” mean?
Flattering or pleasant talk which is insincere or exaggerated, used to persuade or charm someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Flattering or pleasant talk which is insincere or exaggerated, used to persuade or charm someone.
The general skill or art of using smooth, charming, and often witty but deceptive talk; also refers to a specific type of stone in Blarney Castle, Ireland, said to give the gift of eloquent speech to those who kiss it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The word is strongly associated with Irish origin, which is recognized in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often carries a light-hearted, humorous, or affectionate tone, suggesting the flattery is more charming than malicious.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both, but perhaps slightly more recognised in British English due to geographical and cultural proximity to Ireland.
Grammar
How to Use “blarney” in a Sentence
to be full of blarneyto talk blarneyto give someone the blarneyto have the gift of blarneyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blarney” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to blarney his way out of the parking ticket.
- She can blarney anyone into agreeing with her.
American English
- The politician blarneyed the crowd with promises he couldn't keep.
- Don't try to blarney me; just tell the truth.
adverb
British English
- He spoke blarney-ishly, weaving a fantastic story.
American English
- She smiled blarney-ingly, hoping to win him over.
adjective
British English
- He's got a blarney tongue, that one.
- It was a blarney tale, but we enjoyed it.
American English
- I'm tired of his blarney talk.
- Her blarney charm was undeniable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, but could describe persuasive but insincere sales talk or corporate PR. e.g., 'Ignore the marketing blarney and look at the data.'
Academic
Very rare except in literary or cultural studies discussing Irish literature or rhetoric.
Everyday
Used humorously to call out obvious but charming exaggeration. e.g., 'Oh, stop your blarney and tell me what you really want.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blarney”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blarney”
- Misspelling as 'blarny' or 'blarnee'.
- Using it to mean any nonsense, rather than specifically charming, persuasive nonsense.
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it means insincere flattery, it often carries an affectionate or humorous tone, admiring the skill of the speaker rather than condemning the deceit.
It's a block of limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle in Ireland. Legend says kissing it endows one with the 'gift of the gab' or persuasive eloquence—hence the word 'blarney'.
Yes, though less common. 'To blarney' someone means to influence them with smooth, flattering talk.
It's a low-frequency word. It's more common in contexts discussing Irish culture or as a colourful, slightly old-fashioned term for charming nonsense.
Flattering or pleasant talk which is insincere or exaggerated, used to persuade or charm someone.
Blarney is usually informal, often humorous, or literary in register.
Blarney: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblɑːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblɑːrni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Kiss the Blarney Stone”
- “full of the Blarney”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named BLAR-ney telling a tall tale about a BLAR-ingly obvious lie to win your favour. The word sounds like 'blaring' (loud) nonsense.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASIVE SPEECH IS A CHARMING DECEPTION / WORDS ARE A SEDUCTIVE TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best exemplifies 'blarney'?