blarney

blar·ney

noun \ˈblär-nē\

Definition of BLARNEY

1

: skillful flattery : blandishment

2

: nonsense, humbug

— blarney verb

Examples of BLARNEY

1. She was charmed by his blarney.
2. a tale with more than a hint of blarney

Origin of BLARNEY

Blarney stone, a stone in Blarney Castle, near Cork, Ireland, held to bestow skill in flattery on those who kiss it

First Known Use: 1784

Related to BLARNEY

Synonyms: adulation, flattery, butter, flannel [British], incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy

Related Words: allurements, blandishments, endearments; caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects; adoration, idolatry, worship; fawning, sycophancy, toadying; cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm; acclaim, applause, commendation, praise

Near Antonyms: bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, put-down

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with BLARNEY

barny, carny, Kearney