causerie

Causerie is a short, informal essay or prose piece written in a conversational, chatty tone that aims to engage readers as if in light conversation. The word derives from the French causerie, from causer meaning to chat, and carries the sense of informal talk, anecdote, and social observation.

In practice, causerie favors a personal voice, accessible language, and a loosely organized flow rather than a formal argument. It often blends observation, anecdote, literary reference, and humor to illuminate everyday life, culture, or current events. The form is characterized by brevity and a friendly stance toward readers, inviting reflection rather than proclamation.

Historically, causerie developed as a staple of French literary and journalistic culture, flourishing in newspapers, magazines, and salon culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It related to the feuilleton and to miscellanies in which writers could sketch scenes, describe encounters, or offer reflections on art, manners, and society.

In modern usage, causerie remains a synonym for light, essayistic prose that treats ordinary topics with attentiveness and wit. It is encountered in translations and in periods of literary criticism as a genre name; in French, it may also denote informal talk or a chat by a writer or critic.