pep talk

American  

noun

1. a vigorous, emotional talk, as to a person or group, intended to arouse enthusiasm, increase determination to succeed, etc..

   The coach gave the team a pep talk before the game.

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pep talk British  

noun

1. informal an enthusiastic talk designed to increase confidence, production, cooperation, etc

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Etymology

Origin of pep talk

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pep talk

After the win against Qatar, Carney gave the team a pep talk in the Vancouver stadium locker room.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

He calmed his nerves, he said, by giving himself a blunt pep talk - a move typical of the man who inspired many GIFs with his trademark pointing of the finger towards his temple.

From BBC ● May 25, 2026

The message is more a reminder than a pep talk.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026

Episode 7, “Divas Down,” opens with Sennott’s character, junior talent manager Maia Simsbury, giving herself a bathroom-mirror pep talk.

From Salon ● Dec. 15, 2025

Travis already didn’t care for this new sort of pep talk.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner