noun
blarney
BLAH-nee
Blarney (noun) means Smooth, flattering talk meant to persuade or charm someone, often without much truth behind it. Example: “Don't believe his blarney — he says that to every customer.”
noun
1
Smooth, flattering talk meant to persuade or charm someone, often without much truth behind it.
"Don't believe his blarney — he says that to every customer."
"She charmed the committee with a bit of Irish blarney."
verb
1
To win someone over with flattering, persuasive talk.
"He blarneyed his way into a better deal."
How to use blarney
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCharming, flattering talk used to win someone over.
Common pairings
a bit of blarney
pure blarney
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- blarneys
- Past tense
- blarneyed
Fill the gap
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Don't believe his _____ — he says that to every customer.
Etymology
Named after Blarney Castle in Ireland, home of the Blarney Stone, which legend says gives whoever kisses it the gift of persuasive speech.
Related words
Rhymes for blarney
See all rhymes for blarney →Frequently asked questions
What does “blarney” mean?
The word “blarney” means smooth, flattering talk meant to persuade or charm someone, often without much truth behind it. In plain terms, charming, flattering talk used to win someone over.
How do you pronounce “blarney”?
“Blarney” is pronounced BLAH-nee (/ˈblɑɹni/ in IPA).
How do you use “blarney” in a sentence?
Here is “blarney” used in a sentence: “Don't believe his blarney — he says that to every customer.”
What part of speech is “blarney”?
Depending on how it is used, “blarney” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “blarney” have?
“Blarney” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: smooth, flattering talk meant to persuade or charm someone, often without much truth behind it.
