idle talk

USAGE SUMMARY

"idle talk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to unimportant or inconsequential conversation. For example, you could say, "We had a lot of idle talk during lunch, but didn't get much work done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In bars like that shown in the photographs, people spend hours in idleness and idle talk, mistaking noise for communication, insults for wit and raucous laughter for fun.

The New York Times - Magazine

It wasn't idle talk.

The New York Times

That is not idle talk.

The New York Times

That's not just idle talk, either.

The New Yorker

The conversation in the bar was no idle talk.

The New York Times - Books

But family members dismissed it as idle talk.

The New York Times

But we had little time for idle talk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We don't usually have real idle, relaxed talk.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is idle to talk of 'keeping' the flag of the United States when we have voluntarily seceded from them".

Independent

In fact, one of the only things filling up Federal District Court in Brooklyn these days is idle summertime talk.

The New York Times

"Tis idle to talk about union men here," he wrote in an Aug. 11 letter to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, referring to Tennessee's western interior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "idle talk", consider the context. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the conversation is a waste of time. If you intend to convey a neutral or positive tone, consider using alternatives like "casual conversation" or "small talk".

Common error

Avoid using "idle talk" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or positive term is appropriate. Phrases like "preliminary discussions" or "initial conversations" might be better suited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idle talk" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a type of conversation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idle talk" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes unimportant or inconsequential conversation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase itself is generally neutral, it can carry a negative connotation suggesting that the conversation is a waste of time. Alternatives like "casual conversation" or "small talk" may be more appropriate in formal settings or when aiming for a more positive tone. Be mindful of the context and intended meaning when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial conversation

Emphasizes the lack of importance or seriousness of the conversation.

unproductive chatter

Highlights the lack of useful outcome from the conversation.

pointless discussion

Focuses on the absence of a meaningful purpose in the exchange.

empty words

Suggests the conversation lacks substance or sincerity.

meaningless banter

Indicates light and playful conversation with little significance.

frivolous chatter

Highlights the lighthearted and unimportant nature of the conversation.

insignificant conversation

Directly states that the conversation holds little value.

aimless talk

Focuses on the lack of direction or purpose in the conversation.

casual conversation

Emphasizes the relaxed and informal nature of the exchange.

small talk

Refers to polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters.

FAQs

What does "idle talk" mean?

"Idle talk" refers to conversation that is trivial, pointless, or without serious purpose. It often implies that the conversation is a waste of time.

What can I say instead of "idle talk"?

You can use alternatives like "trivial conversation", "casual conversation", or "small talk" depending on the context.

Is "idle talk" formal or informal?

"Idle talk" leans towards the informal side, often carrying a slightly negative connotation. In formal settings, consider using more neutral terms like "preliminary discussions".

How to use "idle talk" in a sentence?

You can use "idle talk" in a sentence like: "The meeting was mostly filled with "idle talk" and very little actual work got done."