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

As he left, Turner gave a brief faith-laced pep talk for a group of young Dream Center residents in the audience.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

After getting a pep talk from Ted Lasso and his assistant coach Beard, Bieber changed the pace of the otherwise energetic performances with an acoustic guitar version of 'Everything Hallelujah'.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

The Bumps is closer to cheese-rolling than rowing, the Peterhouse boatman explained in a pep talk to the squad.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

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 ● Jan. 22, 2026

He typed on his computer until his eyes shut from exhaustion, only to suddenly jump up and begin pacing the room, swinging his arms, giving himself a pep talk: “Come on, Pel. Come on.”

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French