shoptalk

[ shop-tawk ]

noun

1. the specialized vocabulary having to do with work or a field of work:

   I don't understand electronics shoptalk.

2. talk about one's work or occupation, especially after the workday is over.

shoptalk

/ ˈʃɒpˌtɔːk /

noun

1. conversation concerning one's work, esp when carried on outside business hours

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoptalk¹

First recorded in 1880–85; shop + talk

Example Sentences

You are at a social event after the lecture — an event that was scheduled because, after last year’s conference, someone took a survey, and the scientists all agreed that the conference would be improved by less shoptalk and more socializing.

From Washington Post

You see introductions, shoptalk with comics and some of the drive home.

From New York Times

In between performances and shoptalk, Saul and Caprice are drawn into overlapping intrigues involving a dead child and an inner-beauty pageant.

From New York Times

Cope asked after some preliminary shoptalk.

From New York Times

Despite all the shoptalk, she also liked Mr. Shults.

From New York Times

Related Words

• argot
• idiom
• lingo
• parlance
• patois
• slang
• vernacular
• vocabulary