shmoozer

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableinformaldisapproving

   A person who chats in a friendly, flattering way with important people at social or business events in order to gain advantages.

   Grammar: A countable noun, often with a: he is a real shmoozer.

   Patterns

   • a shmoozer at something
   • a born shmoozer

   He is a natural shmoozer who knows everyone at the conference.

   The shmoozer worked the room all night.

   Our boss is a shameless shmoozer with every client.

2. 2nouncountableinformal

   Someone who simply enjoys relaxed, friendly conversation and mingling with many people at parties and gatherings.

   Grammar: Less negative than the first sense: a friendly shmoozer.

   Patterns

   • a shmoozer at something

   She is a friendly shmoozer who can talk to anyone.

   The party host is a great shmoozer.

   My uncle is a lovable shmoozer.

Word forms

Common combinations

born shmoozer

He is a born shmoozer.

smooth shmoozer

The smooth shmoozer charmed the investors.

corporate shmoozer

A corporate shmoozer knows the right names.

shameless shmoozer

She is a shameless shmoozer at the awards.

natural shmoozer

The natural shmoozer made friends in minutes.

Synonyms and how they differ

networker

A networker is neutral or positive and builds professional contacts without the suggestion of flattery.

social butterfly

A social butterfly loves parties for fun, with no hint of seeking advantage.

flatterer

A flatterer gives insincere praise, but a shmoozer may also just chat.

glad-hander

A glad-hander greets everyone warmly, often insincerely, especially politicians.

Opposites

Word family

shmooze verb

to chat in a friendly way to gain advantage

shmooze noun

a friendly chat

shmoozing noun

the act of chatting to win favor

schmooze verb

alternative spelling

Commonly confused: shmoozer or schmuck?

Practice

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