sweet nothings
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
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I love the way your eyes glimmer in the candlelight |
- (idiomatic) Insubstantial or romantic words that are only meant to flatter, woo, or seduce.
- 1904, George Gissing, chapter 28, in Veranilda:
- Hearing such words as these, in the sweetest, tenderest voice that ever caressed a lover's senses, Basil knew not how to word all that was in his heart. . . . Side by side, forgetful of all but their recovered peace, they talked sweet nothings.
- 1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 16]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, […], →OCLC:
- [T]he facts, to make matters worse, were made public with the usual affectionate letters that passed between them, full of sweet nothings.
- 2004 April 25, Joe Klein, “Does Bush Really Get Us?”, in Time[1], archived from the original on 2010-11-03:
- It is difficult to know how accurate this portrait is, and how much of it consists of sweet nothings whispered into the author's ear by loyal retainers.
Usage notes
- Often used in an expression of the form: to whisper sweet nothings into someone's ear.
Translations
insubstantial or romantic words that are only meant to flatter, woo or seduce
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