Palaver Definition
pə-lăvər, -lävər
palavers
noun
palavers
A conference or discussion, as orig. between indigenous Africans and European explorers or traders.
Webster's New World
Talk; esp., idle chatter.
Webster's New World
Talk intended to charm or beguile.
American Heritage
A negotiation or discussion concerning matters in dispute, especially in the traditional cultures of West Africa.
American Heritage
Flattery; cajolery.
Webster's New World
verb
To talk, esp. idly or flatteringly.
Webster's New World
To flatter or wheedle.
Webster's New World
To confer.
Webster's New World
Origin of Palaver
-
Originally nautical slang, from Portuguese palavra (“word"), from Late Latin parabola (“parable, speech")
From Wiktionary
-
Portuguese palavra speech alteration of Late Latin parabola speech, parable parable
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to palaver using the buttons below.