English edit

Etymology edit

From fore- +‎ talk.

Noun edit

foretalk (uncountable)

  1. A foreword; preface.
    • 1872, Mary T. Tardy, The living female writers of the South:
      But before reading the poems, we look at the preface — it is rude to skip the preface, the little, private, confidential foretalk the author wishes to have with the reader []
  2. Small talk used prior to more meaningful conversation.
    • 1970, Medical aspects of human sexuality:
      He goes on, "The most feminine error during the period of foretalk is to subject her partner to withering cross-examination."
    • 1976, Bryan Holme, The Journal of the century, Viking Press:
      In determining whether the male is ready for conversation, the woman should not hesitate to employ the delicate techniques of foretalk.

Synonyms edit