Schmoose

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. To talk casually and warmly with people in order to build rapport ; to mingle and flatter others in order to win favor or advantage
2. Chatting informally and pleasantly with others, often at social gatherings ; schmoozing to cultivate contacts and gain influence
3. Engaging in friendly conversation and networking with people, sometimes with an aim of winning their goodwill ; charming others to secure benefits

Etymology: Schmooze is a Yiddish-derived word, and its origin is tied to the older Yiddish verb "shmuesn," meaning to chat or converse. The Yiddish word came from Hebrew and Aramaic roots connected with discussion and talk, so the English term arrived already carrying the sense of friendly, informal conversation. Over time, English speakers stretched the word beyond simple chatting. In American English it came to mean working a room to build useful contacts, so a person who schmoozes at a party is usually doing more than passing the time. The shift from idle talk to purposeful networking is what gives the word its distinctive flavor.

Synonyms: schmooze, socialize, network, mingle, chat

Antonyms: isolate, withdraw