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

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

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

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

Dad’s pep talk annoyed me at the time.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera