Small talk

Small talk is conversation whose only function is to perform a social task, as opposed to conveying information.

Quotes

 * Whereas some ascetics and Brahmins remain addicted to such unedifying conversation as about kings, robbers, ministers, armies, dangers, wars, food, drink, clothes, beds, garlands, perfumes, relatives, carriages, villages, towns and cities, countries, women, heroes, street- and well-gossip, talk of the departed, desultory chat, speculations about land and sea, talk about being and non-being, the ascetic Gotama refrains from such conversation.
 * Gautama Buddha, Digha Nikaya, M. Walshe, trans. (1987), Sutta 1, verse 1.17, pp. 70-71