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

A similar pep talk was in order before Sunday’s final round.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The pep talk focused his mind and inspired him to battle through the pain barrier for the remaining six races.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Tennis great Roger Federer even invited Shiffrin and her mother, Eileen, to his Swiss mountain home to give her a pep talk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Each roughly 25-minute episode feels like a stealth pep talk packed with recommendations and insight, and who among us can’t use one of those?

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2025

Sergeant Walcott from Bravo Company was sergeant of the guard, and he gave us a pep talk.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers