social lubricant

English

Etymology

By a metaphor in which facilitating human social interaction is portrayed as lubricating machinery (e.g., oiling the gears, greasing the wheels); in this regard, compare also lubrication payment.

Noun

social lubricant (plural social lubricants)

1. A food, beverage, drug or activity that helps people feel more comfortable in social occasions.

See also

• icebreaker