cross talk

or cross-talk, crosstalk

noun

1. interference heard on a telephone or radio because of unintentional coupling to another communication channel.
2. incidental conversation; chatter, as opposed to formal discussion:

   The meeting was slowed by cross talk between board members.

3. British. witty, fast-paced dialogue, especially in a play, comic act, etc.; repartee.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross talk¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

During the process of dressing there was a great deal of "cross-talk" going on at Queen's that night.

From Project Gutenberg

If this were not so, cross-talk would exist between the telephones of the operators' positions connected to the same battery.

From Project Gutenberg

I know pa used to talk and tell us things and if I didn't believe it, I didn't give him no cross talk.

From Project Gutenberg

The torments, inflicted on my suspense by a pair of cross-talk comedians, cannot be surpassed in hell.

From Project Gutenberg

As a matter of fact, he was hearing the first genuine cross-talk that had ever occurred in those dim, pre-music-hall days.

From Project Gutenberg