quaker meeting
Low (historical/religious use); Low-to-Medium (figurative, informal use)Informal (figurative sense); Formal/Historical (religious sense)
Definition
Meaning
A meeting for worship in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), characterised by silent waiting for divine inspiration.
Any period of prolonged, awkward silence in a group setting where no one speaks, often due to discomfort, a lack of ideas, or an unspoken disagreement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The figurative sense draws a humorous or ironic analogy between the respectful, intentional silence of Quaker worship and an unintentional, uncomfortable silence in a secular context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The figurative sense is understood in both varieties. The term may have slightly stronger historical/cultural resonance in the UK and parts of the US (e.g., Pennsylvania) with established Quaker communities.
Connotations
In both varieties, the religious term is neutral/respectful. The figurative use is mildly humorous and slightly old-fashioned.
Frequency
The figurative use is rare in formal writing but occasionally appears in journalism, literature, and anecdotal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There was a {quaker meeting}.The {quaker meeting} lasted for minutes.It turned into a {quaker meeting}.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[The phrase itself is idiomatic in its figurative use]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"After the CEO's unexpected resignation announcement, a Quaker meeting descended over the boardroom."
Academic
Rare, except in historical or religious studies contexts discussing the Society of Friends.
Everyday
"We asked for ideas, and got nothing but a five-minute Quaker meeting."
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The class was very quiet. It was like a Quaker meeting.
- When nobody answered the difficult question, a Quaker meeting began.
- The tense negotiations broke down, resulting in a protracted Quaker meeting around the table.
- His controversial remark was met with a veritable Quaker meeting, the committee members exchanging glances but offering no rebuttal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a room full of people as still and quiet as the historical Quakers during their silent worship—but because they're awkward, not devotional.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL DISCOMFORT IS RELIGIOUS SILENCE / AN AWKWARD PAUSE IS A FORMAL RITUAL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct translation (Квакерская встреча). For the figurative sense, use a descriptive phrase like "неловкое молчание" (awkward silence) or "мёртвая тишина" (dead silence). The religious term can be translated as "молитвенное собрание квакеров".
Common Mistakes
- Capitalisation error: 'Quaker' should be capitalised as it derives from a proper noun. | Using it to describe a short, natural pause rather than a prolonged, noticeable silence.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would the term 'Quaker meeting' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The figurative use could be seen as trivialising or mocking a sincere religious practice. Sensitivity is advised; it's best used in contexts where the humour is gentle and the comparison clear, or avoided if causing offence is a concern.
No, it is exclusively a noun phrase. You cannot 'Quaker meet'.
It stems from the stereotypical (and often exaggerated) public perception of Quaker worship meetings as being entirely silent, which then became a metaphor for any uncomfortably silent gathering.
It is pronounced /ˈkweɪ.kə(r)/, with a long 'a' sound as in 'cake'. The 'r' is pronounced in American English but often dropped in non-rhotic British accents.