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

A pep talk from the great Travis Kelce was just a tiny part.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

Challengers visited the White House in March for a pep talk and photos.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 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

“Quite a pep talk you gave back there, Captain,” she says as she opens the rear doors and heaves out the team cooler.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone