real talk

American  

[ree-uhl tawk, reel tawk] / ˈri əl ˌtɔk, ˈril ˌtɔk /

adverb

1. Informal. while getting down to honest, serious discussion; frankly; seriously (used to introduce a statement or question).

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noun

1. Informal. honest, serious discussion or conversation as opposed to light or superficial chatting.

Other Word Forms

• real-talking
  adjective

Example Sentences

Berlin at war, how the brain makes time, Judy Blume’s real talk for young readers and more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The 32-year-old had been absent for nine matches with a thigh injury and there had been no real talk of a return.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Lawrence’s new stand-up show will be a “fresh one-hour set where Martin brings the real talk and finds the funny in everything from family to culture as only he can,” according to a press release.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2024

Smoked salt is definitely a good place to start — especially, and this is real talk, sprinkled on dark chocolate chip cookies.

From Salon • May 28, 2022

“But for real, talk to me, Bri. How are you feeling?”

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas