palaver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes humorous or slightly dated.
Quick answer
What does “palaver” mean?
Prolonged, idle, or unnecessary talk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Prolonged, idle, or unnecessary talk; fuss; bother.
A conference or discussion, especially one between explorers or traders and local people; can also mean flattery or cajolery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, it is understood but less frequently used and may sound somewhat literary or old-fashioned.
Connotations
In British English, it often implies bureaucratic hassle or tedious social obligation. In American English, it may carry a stronger connotation of exotic or historical context (e.g., explorers palavering with tribes).
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “palaver” in a Sentence
to be a palaverto make a palaver about somethingto palaver with someoneto palaver someone into doing somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “palaver” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We spent the morning palavering with the council about the parking permits.
- Don't try to palaver me into agreeing; just give me the facts.
American English
- The diplomats palavered for hours without reaching a conclusion.
- He's good at palavering clients into signing contracts.
adverb
British English
- He explained palaverously why the simple task took three days.
- The request was made palaverously, with much bowing and scraping.
American English
- She spoke palaverously about the minor issue, boring everyone.
- The proposal was presented palaverously to hide its flaws.
adjective
British English
- It was a palaver-filled afternoon of pointless meetings.
- I'm avoiding the whole palaverous business of the school fair committee.
American English
- The palaverous negotiations tried everyone's patience.
- We skipped the palaverous award ceremony.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might humorously describe overly long, unproductive meetings.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or anthropological texts describing colonial encounters.
Everyday
Used to complain about unnecessary hassle or tedious social interactions.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “palaver”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “palaver”
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'argument' or 'fight' (it's about talk, not conflict).
- Pronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈpæləvər/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal and often carries a humorous or slightly critical tone.
Yes, it can be used as a verb meaning to talk excessively or to flatter/cajole someone, though this usage is less common than the noun.
It comes from the Portuguese 'palavra' (meaning 'word, speech'), via sailors' contact with West African languages in the 18th century, where it came to mean a parley or discussion.
Not inherently, but its historical use in colonial contexts means it should be used with care when describing cross-cultural interactions to avoid trivialising them.
Prolonged, idle, or unnecessary talk.
Palaver: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈlɑːvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlævər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “What a palaver!”
- “It was a bit of a palaver.”
- “Make a palaver out of nothing.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRAVELLER (sounds like 'palaver') who won't stop telling long, boring stories about his travels – that's a palaver.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A PHYSICAL OBSTACLE (e.g., 'cut through the palaver').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'palaver' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?