Talk turkey

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Talk turkey means to discuss matters seriously and directly; in earnest poetry, it signifies frankness, clarity, and the abandonment of pretense in favor of honest, substantive dialogue.

Detailed Definition
Talk turkey means to speak frankly, practically, and directly, especially about serious matters, terms, money, or arrangements. In poetry, the idiom can shift a scene from sentiment to negotiation. It suits conversations about marriage, labour, business, politics, or family decisions where vague feeling must become concrete speech. A poet may use it to reveal realism, bargaining, or the need for plain truth. The phrase is useful for contrasting poetic idealism with practical necessity and earthy common sense.
Example
Example in poetry:
A political poem might ask the rulers to talk turkey instead of polishing speeches; In a love poem, two estranged lovers finally talk turkey and name the wound; The phrase means to speak plainly and seriously; A poet can use it for directness and negotiation.
Additional Notes
Talk turkey means speak plainly, seriously, and practically, often about business, money, or terms. In poetry, it can interrupt sentiment with realism, making it useful in courtship, bargaining, family disputes, or political negotiation. The idiom’s homely food image gives serious speech an earthy directness. Students should compare it with lay it on the line and shoot straight. It suits speakers who want fewer flourishes and more facts.
Also Known As
serious discussion
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