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Synonyms

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.


pep talk British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pep talk

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC

And a quick pep talk, if you need one: most neighbors are genuinely happy to meet you!

From Salon

Cady also was the high school coach in Northern California for Oaks Christian coach Mark Amaral and recently dropped by to give a pep talk to the Oaks Christian players.

From Los Angeles Times

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

“I could ride along. Give moral support. Maybe a pep talk over lunch?”

From Literature