Dictionary

small-talky en · ADJ

Etymology

From small talk + -y.

Meanings

1. Engaging in or characteristic of small talk.
   • One of the cardinal rules here is that we do not talk about our illness at mealtimes or at any social gathering, so everyone is very polite and small-talky and banal, because of course we are all preoccupied with our bodies and the processes going on within them or else we wouldn’t be here. 1988, Audre Lorde, A Burst of Light: Essays, page 85:
   • If he has obvious date jitters— like he has trouble making eye contact or asks small-talky questions— it's because you make him nervous. 2013, Ann Shoket, Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Guys: What He Really Thinks About Flirting, Dating, Relationships, and YOU!, page 74:
   • Wes is mute on the drive to my place, and I can't think of anything not small-talky to say. 2007, Daria Snadowsky, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, page 51:

Forms