English

Alternative forms

• talking-point

Noun

talking point ‎(plural talking points)

1. A specific topic raised in a conversation or argument which is intended as a basis for further discussion, especially one which represents a point of view.
   • 1908, J. W. Jenks, "The Principles of Government Control of Business," American Economic Association Quarterly, 3rd series, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 3:

     Such an expression ["natural rights"] is, of course, an excellent talking point as a basis for argument to convince people, and perhaps through them to change the opinion of the government.

   • 1960, P[elham] G[renville] Wodehouse, “chapter XXI”, in Jeeves in the Offing, London: Herbert Jenkins, OCLC 1227855:

     “Something attempted, something done, has earned a night's repose. You have the satisfaction of having sacrificed yourself in the interests of [your uncle].” He had found a talking point. He had reminded me of those postal orders, sometimes for as much as ten bob, which Uncle Tom had sent me in the Malvern House days. I softened. Whether or not a tear rose to my eye, I cannot say, but it may be taken as official that I softened. “How right you are, Jeeves!” I said.

   • 2002, Elizabeth Foyster, "Creating a Veil of Silence? Politeness and Marital Violence in the English Household," Transactions of the Royal Historical Society, 6th series, vol. 12, p. 399:

     First, it will be demonstrated that marital violence continued to be a talking point within polite society.

Synonyms

• talker

Translations