table talk

USAGE SUMMARY

"table talk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to conversation or discussion that occurs during a meal or while gathered around a table. Example: During dinner, the family engaged in lively table talk, discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The table talk rambled.

The New York Times

The table talk in Washington,.

The New Yorker

Any inkling of the table talk: priceless.

The New York Times

Naturally all the table talk was about Vietnam.

The New Yorker

But it needs to go beyond table talk.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is "The Breakfast Table," not "Table Talk".

The New York Times

His literary table talk pricks up your ears.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This was our dinner-table talk.

The New Yorker

But he does know ballot boxes and vote counts from the dining-table talk of his childhood.

The New York Times

"Health care" is hammered home in advertisements and media reports, in political debates and kitchen-table talk.

Huffington Post

It provided the biggest table-talk format that the CTICC had ever seen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, consider using "table talk" to set the scene and provide context for the characters' interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "table talk" to describe formal meetings or structured debates. It is best suited for relaxed and informal settings. For formal contexts, consider using terms like "meeting", "conference", or "seminar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table talk" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically referring to conversation that takes place around a table, often during a meal or social gathering. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is grammatically correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table talk" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe informal conversation, particularly during meals or social gatherings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic and wiki contexts, and carries a neutral to informal register. When writing, it's best to use "table talk" to depict relaxed and convivial settings, while avoiding it in formal discussions. Alternatives like "dinner conversation" or "casual discussion" may be suitable depending on the specific context you have.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dinner conversation

Focuses specifically on conversations occurring during dinner.

kitchen conversation

Specifies the kitchen as the location of the conversation.

casual discussion

Emphasizes the informal nature of the conversation.

informal chat

Highlights the relaxed and unstructured aspect of the talk.

light conversation

Emphasizes the non-serious nature of the conversation.

social discourse

Implies a broader and more societal context of the conversation.

general discussion

A more generic term for any type of discussion.

fireside chat

Suggests a cozy and intimate setting for the conversation.

friendly banter

Highlights the playful and lighthearted exchange of words.

water cooler talk

Suggests office-based informal conversation, often about non-work topics.

FAQs

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

You can use "table talk" to describe conversations during a meal or social gathering. For example, "The "table talk" at Thanksgiving dinner was lively and engaging".

What's a good alternative to "table talk"?

Depending on the context, you could use "dinner conversation", "casual discussion", or "informal chat" as alternatives to "table talk".

Is "table talk" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "table talk" is best suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "discussion", "dialogue", or "conversation".

What does "table talk" typically involve?

"Table talk" usually involves lighthearted and informal discussions, often touching on personal anecdotes, current events, or shared interests. It's characterized by its relaxed and conversational nature.