Re: They Have a Word for It!

J Matthew Pearson wrote:


> We have that word out here in California, but it means "to socialise informally
> with colleagues, business connections, potential clients, or people of influence,
> with the aim of furthering one's career or enhancing one's social standing".

Which proves (a) that Californians eat, breathe, and sleep their work,
and (b) that the *art* of conversation is lost among them.

More seriously, the word is of Yiddish origin, so it's hardly surprising
that it should be found in both NY and LA, perhaps with slightly
different connotations.


> Anyhow, a crucial part of the meaning of _fika_ is that coffee (or at least tea)
> must be served.  I don't think that's integral to the meaning of "shmooze", is it?
Hmm.  I think that shared food or drink is part of the deal, but it
might not be coffee.

--
There is / one art             || John Cowan <jcowan@...>
no more / no less              || http://www.reutershealth.com
to do / all things             || http://www.ccil.org/~cowan
with art- / lessness           \\ -- Piet Hein