Palaver
PALAVER (an adaptation of Port, palawa, a word or speech; Ital. parola; Fr. parole, from the Low Lat. parabola, a parable, story, talk; Gr. 7rapa/3oXi7, hterally "comparison"; the Low Lat. parabolare, " to talk," gives Fr. parler, " to speak," whence " parley," " parliament," etc.), the name used by the Portuguese traders on the African coast for their conversations and bargaining with the natives. It was introduced into English in the 18th century through English sailors frequenting the Guinea coast. It has now passed into general use among the negroes of West and West Central Africa for any conference, either among themselves or with foreigners. From the amount of unnecessary talk characteristic of such meetings with natives, the word is used of any idle or cajoUng talk.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
