What does schmoozing mean?
Schmoozing is an informal term for engaging in friendly, often strategic conversation with people at a social or professional gathering. It commonly describes circulating at an event, introducing oneself, exchanging pleasantries, and building connections with colleagues, clients, investors, or other useful contacts. The word can also imply talking to people chiefly to flatter them or gain an advantage, giving it a mildly critical or ironic tone. In neutral professional usage, “networking” is often the more formal alternative, while “schmoozing” suggests a more casual and socially fluid activity. As the present participle of “schmooze,” it is especially natural in phrases such as “schmoozing at a reception” or “schmoozing with potential clients.” The expression is most common in informal North American English, though its meaning is readily understood in British English as well.
verbTo engage in friendly, often leisurely conversation with people, especially at a social or professional gathering, with the aim of making connections. The word often carries the connotation of networking, ingratiation, or talking primarily to gain personal advantage.
- To engage in friendly conversation with people, especially at a social or professional gathering.
- To talk to someone with the aim of influencing them, flattering them, or gaining an advantage.
"She spent the evening schmoozing with potential investors at the reception."
"We spent the networking session schmoozing with editors and writers."
"The candidate was accused of schmoozing voters instead of discussing the issues."
Schmoozing is conversation turned into a skill: it can mean simply socializing, but it often suggests the art of making useful contacts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does schmoozing come from?
The underlying verb “schmooze” is an English alteration of a Yiddish term associated with extended, idle conversation. Its precise origin and earliest history are not certain, so the modern English sense developed through its use in informal speech concerning socializing and ingratiating conversation.
Related word forms
How schmoozing is actually used
Usually informal and somewhat disapproving or ironic when it implies superficial talk, excessive ingratiation, or networking. In professional contexts it can be neutral, especially in phrases such as “schmoozing with clients.”
Easily confused with schmoozing
Schmoozing means talking socially with other people, whereas a snooze is a short sleep or an act of dozing off.