trash-talking

American  

[trash-taw-king] / ˈtræʃˌtɔ kɪŋ /

Or trash talking

noun

1. the act of using disparaging or boastful language, especially to demoralize or intimidate opponents.

   Taunting, trash-talking, gloating, and cheap shots have become all too common in sports.

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Etymology

Origin of trash-talking

An Americanism dating back to 1985–90

Example Sentences

Brundage found himself immersed in the online culture of trash-talking, memes, boyish jokes and, ultimately, hacking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Those contests, like many others, involved months of trash-talking on both sides, and often foment internal warfare.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

However the trash-talking American was adamant on Friday that he has the tools to stop Joshua as the two men faced off in a promotional event for next month's Netflix special.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

Instead we think of male bonding, of office pools and water-cooler chats, of the good-natured trash-talking that comes with fantasy leagues, of long-standing tradition.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2025

Aech and I quickly fell into our old familiar rhythm, and before long it was like we were back in the Basement, trash-talking each other over a game of Quake or Joust.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline