twaddle [noun] [bor-rel-praat] 
“Borrelpraat” is composed of “borrel” and “praat”. Traditionally,
“borrel” refers to a strong alcoholic drink, but it is also often used
to describe a drink with colleagues or friends to celebrate a certain
event (graduation, Christmas (the so-called “kerstborrel“),
or your birthday). “Praat” means “talk” or “story”. Hence, “borrelpraat”
refers to the conversations people have at a “borrel”. As you’ll all
understand, these conversations often lead nowhere but are very
enjoyable. The more alcohol is consumed, the more “borrelpraat” can be
heard.
Examples:
– “Luister maar niet naar die borrelpraat; als je nuchter bent is het niet te volgen.”
(“You’d better not listen to that twaddle; if you’re sober it’s impossible to follow.”)
– “Moeten jullie nog werken of kunnen we gaan borrelen om het weekend te vieren?”
(“Do you still have work to do or can we go and have a drink to celebrate the weekend?”)
– “Kom eens met ons borrelen.”
(“Join us for a informal drink.”)
– “Je gelooft die roddels toch niet; het is gewoon borrelpraat.”
(“You don’t believe that gossip, do you; it’s just twaddle.”)
Related words:
– Borrel: drink, informal reception [noun] [de borrel, de borrels].
– Borrelen: drink and talk [verb] [borrelde, geborreld].
– Praat: talk [noun] [no singular, de praat].
Another word for “boef” is “schurk”. The word “boef” however can also take on the meaning of “lawbreaker”. In both translations it is a bit of an old-fashioned word but there is an expression you should know about (see below). Also, the diminutive “boefje” can be used for naughty, mischievous children.
