trash talk

noun

: disparaging, taunting, or boastful comments especially between opponents trying to intimidate each other
trash-talk verb
trash-talker noun

Examples of trash talk in a Sentence

He had to listen to a lot of trash talk from the other players.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other juicy matchups include No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 9 LSU, Thomas Castellanos' trash talk being put to the test with Florida State hosting No. 8 Alabama and Nico Iamaleava making his UCLA debut against Utah. Jordan Mendoza, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025 One veteran Patriots defender was less verbose about Hollins’ practice trash talk exploits. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2025 Phoenix sabotaged a decent 2024 team by loading up personalities and Instagram stars; their season finished with their two leading females refusing to play with each other and very questionable effort levels on the court unless their stars were being motivated by trash talk. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 That dynamic also presents endless opportunities to trash talk and negotiate trades. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trash talk

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trash talk was in 1981

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trash talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trash%20talk. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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