sweet talk

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweet talk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is trying to charm someone else or trying to cajole them into doing something. For example, "He tried to sweet talk her into going on a date with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Sweet talk, really.

The Guardian - Sport

Sweet talk the clerks.

The New York Times - Travel

Sweet talk only goes so far.

The New York Times - Arts

Just don't believe the sweet talk.

The New York Times

They do their little sweet talk.

The New York Times

It is pure, honest and immune to sweet talk.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Jack Abramoff could sweet-talk a dog off a meat truck".

The New York Times

"I do not sweet-talk," he said during an hourlong interview, which had been taped.

The New York Times

They sweet-talk the customer service rep into bending the rules.

The New York Times

The rest of the world has to sweet-talk financiers into parting with their cash.

The Economist

He's not trying to sweet-talk anyone into voting for him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweet talk" to describe situations where someone is using charm or flattery to achieve a goal, but be mindful of the potentially negative connotation of insincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "sweet talk" in formal or academic writing where objective and direct language is preferred. Opt for more neutral terms like 'persuasion' or 'negotiation'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweet talk" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of using flattery and charm to persuade someone. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweet talk" is a common noun phrase referring to persuasive flattery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, though it's important to be aware of its potential negative connotations. While frequent in news and informal contexts, it's less common in formal writing. Related phrases include "flattery", "soft soap", and "blarney", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "sweet talk", consider the audience and the potential for misinterpretation, opting for more neutral language in formal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuasive flattery

Combines the elements of persuasion and flattery to emphasize the manipulative aspect.

smooth talking

Highlights skillful and polished persuasive communication.

blarney

Refers to skillful, flattering talk, often seen as humorous or exaggerated.

soft soap

Emphasizes excessive flattery to persuade or appease someone.

flattery

Focuses on insincere praise to achieve a goal, lacking the interactive element.

coaxing

Highlights gentle and persistent persuasion rather than overt flattery.

charming words

Focuses on words pleasant to hear, often disarming or distracting.

seductive words

Implies a charm intended to entice or allure, not necessarily practical.

wheedling

Suggests persistent and often annoying attempts to persuade.

ingratiating language

Stresses attempts to gain favor or acceptance through pleasing behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "sweet talk" in a sentence?

"Sweet talk" can be used as a noun, as in "He used "sweet talk" to convince her", or as a verb, as in "He tried to "sweet talk" his way out of trouble."

What are some synonyms for "sweet talk"?

Alternatives to "sweet talk" include "flattery", "soft soap", and "blarney", depending on the context and the degree of insincerity implied.

Is "sweet talk" appropriate for formal communication?

While "sweet talk" is acceptable in informal settings, it's generally not appropriate for formal or professional communication. More neutral terms like "persuasion" or "diplomacy" are preferred.

What is the difference between "sweet talk" and "persuasion"?

"Sweet talk" often implies insincere or manipulative flattery, while "persuasion" is a more general term for convincing someone through reasoned arguments or genuine appeal.