What does schmoozer mean?
A schmoozer is someone who uses charm, flattery, or smooth conversation to win favors, make contacts, or gain some personal advantage. The word is informal and commonly carries a mildly disparaging implication: the person’s friendliness is often presented as calculated rather than genuine. It can describe a harmless networker who is simply adept at socializing, but it is more often used for someone seen as opportunistic or overly ingratiating. A schmoozer might flatter a potential employer, cultivate an influential contact, or work a room in hopes of advancing personal interests. The term is especially common in descriptions of business, politics, entertainment, and social events, where access to important people can provide an advantage. It derives from the verb “schmooze,” which means to talk socially or flatteringly for advantage.
nounA person who schmoozes, especially someone who uses flattery, charm, or social conversation to gain favor or personal advantage.
- A person who uses charm, flattery, or persuasive conversation to gain favor or advantage.
"The networking event was full of schmoozers trying to make useful contacts."
"She was a skilled schmoozer who knew how to make influential people feel important."
"The report described the salesman as a schmoozer who had no genuine interest in the product."
The regular plural is “schmoozers.”
"The schmoozers spent the evening introducing themselves to everyone in the room."
A schmoozer may have no special talent beyond knowing exactly what to say to the right person.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does schmoozer come from?
The word comes from “schmooze,” which was borrowed from Yiddish and originally referred to idle talk or chatter. In English, the verb developed toward the sense of talking socially or flatteringly in order to gain favor, and “schmoozer” formed from it with the suffix “-er,” meaning a person who does this.
How schmoozer is actually used
Informal and generally mildly disapproving; it often implies that someone's friendliness or flattery is calculated rather than sincere.
Easily confused with schmoozer
A schmoozer is a person who schmoozes; a schmooze is the act of talking socially or flatteringly to gain favor.