Talk shop Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtɔk/ /ˈʃɑp

TAWK-SHOP

UK

tˈɔːk/ /ʃˈɒp

TAWK-SHOP

Definition

To discuss topics related to your work or profession, usually in a social situation where others may not be interested.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often used disapprovingly when people focus on work in casual or social events. Commonly appears as 'don't talk shop' or 'let's not talk shop.' Not about actual work meetings—refers to work discussions outside work, especially when it's boring for outsiders.

• Spanish: hablar de trabajo - hablar de negocios
• Portuguese (BR): falar sobre o trabalho - conversar sobre negócios
• Portuguese (PT): falar de trabalho - falar de negócios
• Chinese (Simplified): 谈工作 - 谈业务
• Chinese (Traditional): 談工作 - 談業務
• Hindi: काम की बातें करना
• Arabic: التحدث عن العمل
• Bengali: কাজের আলোচনা করা - পেশাগত কথা বলা
• Russian: работать разговор - говорить о работе
• Japanese: 仕事の話をする
• Vietnamese: nói chuyện công việc
• Korean: 일 얘기하다 - 업무 이야기하다
• Turkish: iş konuşmak
• Urdu: کام کی باتیں کرنا
• Indonesian: ngomongin kerjaan - bicara soal pekerjaan

Example Sentences

Let's not talk shop at dinner tonight.

basic

They always talk shop even on holiday.

basic

Please don't talk shop at the party.

basic

As soon as they met, the engineers started to talk shop.

natural

I get bored when my friends talk shop all night.

natural

We promised not to talk shop, but somehow we ended up discussing our projects.

natural