Talk turkey meaning

To talk turkey means to speak frankly and directly about a serious matter.


Talk turkey definitions

Word backwards klat yekrut
Part of speech The part of speech of the phrase "talk turkey" is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division talk tur-key
Plural The plural of "talk turkey" is "talk turkeys."
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) a,u,e
Consonants (5) t,l,k,r,y

When it comes to communication, the phrase "talk turkey" is often used to describe getting down to the serious or essential aspects of a conversation. This idiom originates from the American English slang in the early 19th century, where it referred to speaking plainly or directly without any pretense or beating around the bush.

Origin of the Phrase

The exact origin of the term "talk turkey" is somewhat debated, but it is believed to have stemmed from the tradition of Native Americans and early settlers in the southeastern United States. It is said that during the negotiation of treaties and agreements, Native Americans and settlers would discuss important matters while partaking in a meal that included wild turkey, a symbol of goodwill and peace.

Meaning and Usage

Today, "talk turkey" is commonly used in informal settings to encourage individuals to speak honestly, directly, and candidly with one another. It is often employed in business negotiations, family discussions, or any situation that requires clear and straightforward communication.

Examples in Context

For example, a boss might ask an employee to "talk turkey" about their performance issues, meaning they want a straightforward discussion about the problem. Likewise, in personal relationships, friends might use the phrase to prompt each other to address a difficult topic honestly and openly.

Overall, the expression "talk turkey" emphasizes the importance of direct communication and cutting through any distractions or superficialities to address the heart of the matter. It encourages individuals to speak their minds clearly and without reservation, fostering understanding and constructive dialogue in various interactions.


Talk turkey Examples

  1. During the negotiation, they finally decided to talk turkey and reach a fair agreement.
  2. When discussing their relationship issues, they sat down to talk turkey about their future.
  3. The manager requested a meeting with the team to talk turkey about the upcoming project deadlines.
  4. In preparation for the family gathering, they needed to talk turkey about the menu and who would bring what dish.
  5. After months of avoiding the topic, they finally sat down to talk turkey about their financial situation.
  6. During the team meeting, the supervisor encouraged everyone to talk turkey and voice their concerns openly.
  7. The politicians needed to talk turkey about the budget cuts and their impact on public services.
  8. Before signing the contract, they scheduled a meeting to talk turkey about the terms and conditions.
  9. As the deadline approached, the group had to talk turkey about reallocating resources to meet their goals.
  10. To improve communication within the company, the CEO encouraged employees to talk turkey and address any issues openly.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 30/03/2024 - 14:14:23