schmooze

Also shmooze
Sometimes schmoose

[shmooz]

verb (used without object)

schmoozed, schmoozing 

1. to chat idly; gossip.

noun

1. idle conversation; chatter.

schmooze

/ ʃmuːz /

verb

1. (intr) to chat or gossip

2. (tr) to chat to (someone) for the purposes of self-promotion or to gain some advantage

noun

1. a trivial conversation; chat

Other Word Forms

• schmoozer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of schmooze¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; from Yiddish, verb use of schmues, from Hebrew shəmūʿōth “reports, gossip”

Word History and Origins

Origin of schmooze¹

Yiddish, from schmues a chat, from Hebrew shemuoth reports

Example Sentences

This time last year all Labour's schmoozing was paying off, and she enjoyed good reviews in the City.

From BBC

But these members-only circles are more than expensive schmoozing — they're a business model, a status symbol and a growing part of the luxury market.

From Salon

Amazon will make a presentation later on Monday in New York as part of the “upfronts,” the TV industry’s annual advertiser schmooze fest.

From Los Angeles Times

She schmoozed with customers, pointed out photos of her in her teenage surfing days and generally tried to imbue the place with the spirit of “aloha.”

From Los Angeles Times

Later in the Illinois primary, Carter also showed that he could schmooze with powerful machine bosses, namely Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.

From Los Angeles Times