smack talk

[ smak tawk ]

noun

1. insulting, taunting, or boastful comments, often as a form of banter, as between competitors; trash talk:

   At boxing practice there's a lot of gibing and smack talk between the boxers as they go at each other.

   He won the election but soon found that his campaign-trail smack talk didn't translate well to governing.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make insulting, taunting, or boastful comments to or about (someone), often as a form of banter; trash-talk:

   Reps from the two companies are always smack talking each other on whose cybertechnology is more efficient.

   She smack-talked him behind his back but treated him like a prince when we were all together.

Word History and Origins

Origin of smack talk¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

When Harbaugh was at Michigan, he famously reacted to Day’s smack talk by using the third-base reference to claim the coach had not paid his dues.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bruins offset the Trojans’ seven blocks in the first half — including one by Bronny James that led to a technical foul for following it up with smack talk — with 10 offensive rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times

But if you’re a chess enthusiast, you’re more likely to stop by for an over-the-board “a— whooping,” where he’ll snap up your pieces with a side of smack talk before “leaving ’em with two pieces to go.”

From Los Angeles Times

No. 1 LSU’s dynamic, high-scoring, 6-foot-3 power forward expresses her passion for basketball in the way she fights ferociously for rebounds, dives for loose balls, celebrates big baskets with dance moves or — at times - antagonizes opposing players with an intense glare, a gesture or a little smack talk.

From Washington Times

“The smack talk started immediately,” John jokes.

From Los Angeles Times