How Do You Spell TALK TURKEY?

Pronunciation: [tˈɔːk tˈɜːkɪ] (IPA)

The phrase "talk turkey" means to have a serious conversation or negotiation. It is believed to have its origins in American English in the 19th century. The spelling of "talk turkey" is straightforward and follows regular English phonetics. The "t" sound is pronounced as in "top", the "a" as in "cat", the "l" as in "little", and the "k" as in "kite". The stress falls on the second syllable, "tur", so the pronunciation is /tɔːk ˈtɜːrki/ (tawk tur-kee).

TALK TURKEY Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "talk turkey" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States. It is often used to describe a straightforward and serious discussion or negotiation, specifically in relation to business, politics, or other significant matters. When people "talk turkey," they engage in a frank conversation with the aim of resolving an issue, making important decisions, or reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

   The term likely came from a tradition among Native American tribes and early American settlers, where negotiations between parties included the sharing of a meal that typically consisted of turkey. During these meals, participants had direct, honest conversations, and discussions would intensify when it was time to "talk turkey." Consequently, the phrase became a figurative expression used to encapsulate the purposeful and direct nature of such conversations.

   To "talk turkey" implies a no-nonsense approach, where individuals cut through small talk and focus on the main subject matter. It involves being clear, concise, and getting to the heart of the matter without wasting time. When someone suggests to "talk turkey," they are often indicating a desire to address important issues head-on, seeking practical solutions or resolutions.

   In contemporary usage, the phrase "talk turkey" has expanded beyond negotiations and is now sometimes employed in casual conversations to refer to getting to the core of a subject or discussing something seriously and directly.

Common Misspellings for TALK TURKEY

• ralk turkey
• falk turkey
• galk turkey
• yalk turkey
• 6alk turkey
• 5alk turkey
• tzlk turkey
• tslk turkey
• twlk turkey
• tqlk turkey
• takk turkey
• tapk turkey
• taok turkey
• talj turkey
• talm turkey
• tall turkey
• talo turkey
• tali turkey
• talk rurkey

Etymology of TALK TURKEY

The expression "talk turkey" is believed to have originated in American English in the early 19th century, specifically in the Midwestern United States. The origin is commonly associated with an anecdote involving Native American and European settlers.

According to the story, during negotiations between these two groups, Native American tribes would offer wild turkey as a peace offering to the settlers. The settlers, unfamiliar with the bird, would engage in long discussions about various topics before getting down to the matter at hand—negotiating the details of the treaty or trade agreements. The phrase "talk turkey" emerged as a way to describe the discussions that got to the point or dealt with serious matters.

While this origin story is widely accepted, there is no concrete evidence to support it. Another theory suggests that "talk turkey" could be related to the phrase "talk tall". Both expressions would refer to straightforward, honest, or serious conversation.

Idioms with the word TALK TURKEY

• talk turkey To talk turkey means to speak directly and frankly about a serious or important matter, often in a business or negotiation context. It implies discussing the issue in a straightforward and practical manner without wasting time on unnecessary details.

Similar spelling word for TALK TURKEY

• talk terms.