Donate SIGN UP

working the room

Avatar Image
BrendaEvans | 22:22 Mon 18th Sep 2006 | Phrases & Sayings
2 Answers
Does anyone know the origin of the expression "working the room" or "work the room?"
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 2 of 2rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by BrendaEvans. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
To 'work' has been used in this sense since the early 19th century. For example, hawkers spoke about 'working a street', which meant calling on each house in an effort to sell their wares. Nowadays, 'working a room' is used - particularly in the world of show-business - to mean stopping to speak to anyone and everyone in the room you think may eventually be useful to you. Another word for the same process is 'schmoozing'.
Working the room is also used in the lapdancing trade. The girls will "work the room" going from potential client to potential client sweeping the room so every potential client has been approached. Apparently!!!!! Or so I've heard !!!!

1 to 2 of 2rss feed

Do you know the answer?

working the room

Answer Question >>