Small talk is generally simple things that generally doesn’t matter much and you don’t need some sort of high education to indulge in. For instance, the weather, sky gazing, trips, interests, hobbies, if at a party, about the music or entertainment, or about the food being served or even about knowing the host or hostess.Usually easy, and doesn’t step on toes.

Sometimes it can go personal, married, unmarried, divorce, single, children, personal life matters like employment, money, family issues, race and faith and politics. That is when it can really get complicated.
I never thought small talk had to do with time but mostly about discussing stuff that most people don’t find offensive and anyone can join in because its light conversation meant to be pleseant.

@Pandora Then what does the ‘small’ means in the small talk? As you stated it has nothing to do with time.

Small talk is not talking about “a general topic that is not specific.” It is superficial talk about less important topics that people engage in for social reasons rather than to address problems, answer open questions, or exchange important information. It’s things like “nice weather we’re having” or when people use “how are you?” as a greeting instead of a genuine request for information about your mental state.

Also, the length of time has nothing to do with it. A thirty second conversation isn’t small, it’s short. A thirty minute conversation isn’t large, it’s long. So the “small” in “small talk” can’t be about how long the conversation is. Instead, it’s about the metaphorical weightiness of the discussion. When someone says “we need to have a big talk,” you know it’s not going to be about sunshine or vacation photos. It’s going to be about something serious.

Small as in unimportant. Not going to “change the world” topics like, hows the weather? or did you see the game last night?

It’s practically meaningless.

@CunningLinguist Great answer. Although personally, every conversation I made don’t feel small to me. Which is why I had trouble with the definition initially when I first heard the word.

“Small talk” is people talking about things that are well small. Like the weather or how things are. Just like what @kritiper said it is meaningless.

I disagree that it is meaningless. It is an excellent way to assess how another person, that you don’t know well, will deal with various topics. When I meet someone, I have no interest in “big” talk right away, why would I trust them? There are so many cues revealed during a lightweight conversation that reveal who the other person is, that helps me decide if I want to have a more interesting conversation with them; if I want to reveal more personal stuff about myself.

Small talk is an excellent start, it is not necessarily inane.

@canidmajor Nobody even touched upon what you’ve said and it didn’t occur to me, either, but you’re right! It’s the very beginning of exploring a possible relationship. I’ve decided against going further with someone based on not only what they say, but how they say it – do they look interested, do they make eye contact, do they continue where I left off? Where do they take the conversation after opening remarks?

If the conversation must go beyond “meaningless” for the sake of what might be an interesting hook-up with another, then the conversation leaves the world of “meaningless” and enters the realm of bullshit.
BIG difference!

I’m not talking about ‘hooking up’. I’m talking about meeting someone or even quite a few people at a function. During a break, you’re all standing around chatting – small talk – and if someone can’t do even that much, then I have no interest in pursuing an actual friendship with them – male or female.

Small talk is talk that is more or less trivial compared to the big topics in the world. Small talk to some extent lets you access rapport with someone new, and starts you off with typical pleasantries.

With people you know already, it is a form of communication that isn’t going to ruffle anyone’s feathers (hopefully). It’s also a starting place for sparking conversation.

Having several “small talk” topics in your pocket helps to change a conversation that is getting uncomfortable or tense. Small talk can be very useful, and it is a great talent to lead a conversation away from conflict.

Some cultures expect small talk in all interactions, and some don’t. In the US it varies quite a bit from person to person (probably some of that is subcultures). I don’t need small talk in business interactions, but some people think it’s rude to go straight to the business of the day.

@yaujj48 Small topics. Topics of no real importance.