Blarney

Blarney is eloquent, flattering, or coaxing talk, often intended to charm or persuade, but frequently perceived as insincere or deceptive. It's characterized by skillful use of language, designed to gain favor, often with a lighthearted or playful quality. The intent is to influence, and the effectiveness lies in the captivating nature of the words. blarney may involve exaggeration, embellishment, or even outright falsehoods, yet is delivered with such finesse that it becomes difficult to resist or take offense. The origin is often attributed to the blarney Stone in Ireland, which is said to bestow the gift of eloquent speech upon those who kiss it.

Blarney meaning with examples

• The salesman's constant blarney about the product's superiority, though charming, began to wear thin. He'd praise every minor feature as revolutionary, using overly effusive language. The customer, initially swayed, eventually realized the exaggerated claims weren't entirely true and started to doubt his honesty. Despite the salesman's continued efforts, the buyer left without purchasing anything.
• During the negotiations, the politician used blarney to deflect difficult questions. Instead of providing direct answers, he employed carefully crafted phrases and compliments, avoiding any definitive commitment. While the journalists noted the cleverness, they also felt the content lacked substance, leaving many unsatisfied and skeptical of his sincerity. Ultimately, his tactics did buy him time, but the long term cost was a decline in his credibility.
• The actor was known for his blarney in interviews, charming the audience with witty anecdotes and self-deprecating humor, subtly promoting his new movie. His use of well-timed compliments and lighthearted charm made it difficult to challenge his subtle manipulation. Fans, however, were fully taken in by the performance, happily listening and spreading the word and the movie sales thrived.
• The job applicant employed considerable blarney during the interview, overstating his accomplishments and making himself appear more qualified than he truly was. He used elaborate compliments about the company's reputation and the interviewer's expertise. Although the initial impression was positive, a background check revealed a significant difference in his credentials and what was claimed in the interview.