Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

trash-talking

noun

/træʃ ˈtɔːkɪŋ/

Definition

Trash-talking refers to the act of making insulting or boastful comments to an opponent, often in a competitive context, to provoke or intimidate them.

Examples

During the game, the players engaged in some lighthearted trash-talking.
His trash-talking didn’t seem to affect his opponent’s performance.
In the world of competitive gaming, trash-talking is often considered part of the strategy.

Meaning

It typically occurs in sports and games but can also be found in other competitive situations. The aim is usually to unsettle the opponent or to build confidence in oneself by appearing dominant.