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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"I love my job but it's got to the point where you've got to give yourself a bit of a pep talk in the morning because of what might happen," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 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

Travis already didn’t care for this new sort of pep talk.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner