trash-talking

American

[trash-taw-king] / ˈtræʃˌtɔ kɪŋ /

Or trash talking

noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of trash-talking

An Americanism dating back to 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If they gave out medals in financial trash talking, Warren Buffett would be on the podium.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

“I’m always going to be all for trash talking ... stuff like that,” Ramsey told reporters after the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

The Panthers boast three of the league’s most notorious pests on their roster, each of whom is renowned for trash talking, chippy hits, and enthusiastically physical play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2025

Chippy play, plenty of trash talking and players thrown out — something more familiar to fans watching an NBA game.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

“Kids today. They just don’t understand the finesse of trash talking, Kevin.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023