Blarney - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Blarney refers to charming, flattering, or persuasive talk that is often insincere. It is commonly used to describe smooth, clever speech meant to deceive or win someone over.
Definition:
Flattering or persuasive talk, often insincere or exaggerated.
Synonyms:
flattery, cajolery, sweet talk, coaxing
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
bluntness, honesty, candor
Common Collocations:
blarney stone, full of blarney, spin blarney
Derivatives:
blarneyed, blarneying
Usage Tips:
Use "blarney" to describe charming but insincere speech; often playful or humorous in tone.
Common Phrases:
gift of the gab, kiss the Blarney Stone, spin a line
Etymology:
From Blarney Stone in Ireland, said to give eloquence to those who kiss it; 18th-century origin.
Examples:
- 1. She dismissed his compliments as mere blarney.
- 2. Tourists visit the Blarney Stone hoping for eloquence.
- 3. His blarney won over the skeptical crowd effortlessly.
- 4. Don’t believe his blarney—he’s just being charming!