Blarney
/ˈblɑːrni/noun
Smooth, flattering, or deceitful talk.
Did you know?The word is tied to the famous Blarney Stone in Ireland, but the exact origin is debated; the castle legend helped turn a place-name into a global symbol of persuasive, slippery speech.
Etymological Timeline
Early 17th Century
Irish
Blarna
“A place-name associated with Blarney Castle in County Cork”
17th–18th Century
English
blarney
“Flattering or smooth talk, especially talk that is evasive or deceptive”
19th Century
English
blarney
“Cajoling speech, nonsense, or flattering nonsense”
Modern English
English
blarney
“Smooth, persuasive, often insincere talk”
Explore more surprising origins