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.

---

Etymology

Origin of trash-talking

An Americanism dating back to 1985–90

Example Sentences

The Detroit Pistons transformed from one of the NBA’s worst teams to the Eastern Conference leader by adopting a hard-hitting, trash-talking style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

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

A Milwaukee Brewers fan was reportedly let go from her job after a viral video showed her threatening to “call ICE” on a trash-talking Los Angeles Dodgers fan during the Brewers’ home loss on Tuesday.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 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