素話
す
ば
な
し
Meanings
1
chat without food or drink
Only when written 素話
A social gathering where people talk without any refreshments; the focus is purely on conversation.
Let's get together for a chat without food or drink today. No tea, but we can focus on talking.
2
rakugo without musical accompaniment
In the context of rakugo (traditional comic storytelling), a performance done without shamisen or other musical background, relying solely on the storyteller's voice and gestures.
His rakugo without musical accompaniment is funny enough even without a shamisen.