Palaver
/pəˈlæv.ər/noun
Long, often idle or tedious talk; a discussion or conference.
Did you know?The word entered English through West African contact languages, especially Portuguese-based trade speech, and its history shows how language itself became a tool of diplomacy, bargaining, and survival.
Etymological Timeline
16th–17th Century
Portuguese
palavra
“word, speech”
17th Century
West African Pidgin / Trade Portuguese
palavra / palaver
“a talk, message, or negotiation”
18th Century
English
palaver
“talk, conference, negotiation”
19th Century
English
palaver
“idle chatter, fuss, or prolonged discussion”
Modern English
English
palaver
“long, often tedious talk or discussion”
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