blarney

[ blahr-nee ]

noun

1. flattering or wheedling talk; cajolery.
2. deceptive or misleading talk; nonsense; hooey:

   a lot of blarney about why he was broke.

verb (used with or without object)

, blar·neyed, blar·ney·ing.

1. to flatter or wheedle; use blarney:

   He blarneys his boss with the most shameless compliments.

blarney

/ ˈblɑːnɪ /

noun

1. flattering talk

verb

1. to cajole with flattery; wheedle

blarney

1. Smooth, flattering talk, often nonsensical or deceptive. Based on an Irish legend that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will become skilled in flattery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blarney¹

First recorded in 1760–70; after the hamlet Blarney, in Ireland; Blarney stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of blarney¹

C19: after the Blarney Stone

Example Sentences

The Irish race appear to have kissed the Blarney stone in globo.

From Project Gutenberg

We'll send Travers back with a little collection, to fix it up with the farmer, and blarney him out of taking any action.

From Project Gutenberg

One passes on the way to the wildwood, where everybody goes as often as may be,—a so-called "blarney stone."

From Project Gutenberg

There is deposited the celebrated Blarney stone, a touch of which imparts to the tongue of the pilgrim the gift of persuasion.

From Project Gutenberg

But if he'll be so quick with his tongue in Tralee Market, he'll chance on one here and there that he'll not blarney so easily!

From Project Gutenberg