Jawbone - What is that?

[flute]

I read somewhere today about how President Bush was trying to "jawbone" OPEC into doing something. What exactly does "jawbone" mean?

 

[bibliolept]

I think it means to "talk into," "convince," or "persuade."

To "jawbone" can mean to talk or chat, if my memory is correct, and is part of the "folksy" speech of some rural areas of the U.S., such as Texas, where G.W. Bush was governor.

(I don't think this is a reference to the jawbone of an ass, although...)

 

[flute]

Thanks for your answer, bibliolept! I had thought "jawbone" was some kind of a forceful way to get the other party to do what you wanted.

 

[bibliolept]

"Jawbone" often indicates, if not forceful, then persuasive speaking.

"To jaw" refers to more casual and relaxed chatting.