talk smack
Dish out insults
Talk smack is to speak boastfully or disparagingly, especially about an opponent or rival.
The phrase often appears in sports and competitive contexts: He's been talking smack about the other team all week.
It can be playful banter or genuine hostility.
Someone who talks smack is trash-talking—trying to intimidate or get under someone's skin.
Insult, in slang
- put downInsulting remark meant to diminish
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- disparageExpress low opinion of
- demeanLower in standing
degrade · slam · burn · cut down · offend · affront · slight · snub
Vocal expression of scorn
- mockScornful imitation or fake
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- teaseMock playfully
- heckleHarass a performer verbally
roast · jibe · needle · razz · goad · provoke · bait · wind up
One who contends against
- competitorOne striving against others
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- challengeTest of ability
- psych outUndermine through mental pressure
intimidate · one-upmanship · mind games · pre-game · face-off · showdown · grudge match · versus
Publicly confront or summon
- beefBovine meat for eating
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- argueVerbally oppose another's view
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
dispute · squabble · war of words · verbal sparring · have words · altercation · run-in · dustup
diss
Insult, in slang
- put downInsulting remark meant to diminish
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- disparageExpress low opinion of
demean · degrade · slam · burn · cut down · offend · affront · slight · snub · disrespect
jeer
Vocal expression of scorn
heckle · roast · jibe · needle · razz · goad · provoke · bait · wind up · get at
opponent
One who contends against
- competitorOne striving against others
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- challengeTest of ability
psych out · intimidate · one-upmanship · mind games · pre-game · face-off · showdown · grudge match · versus · head-to-head
call out
Publicly confront or summon
quarrel · dispute · squabble · war of words · verbal sparring · have words · altercation · run-in · dustup · throwdown
brag
Speak with excessive pride
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
- showboatOstentatious attention-seeker
- grandstandTiered spectator seating structure
crow · gloat · flex · stunt · bluster · puff up · front · posture · self-promote · hot air
talk smackpraise
Expression of approval
compliment · flatter · pay tribute · commend · laud
talk smackdefend
Protect from harm
stick up for · have someone's back · stand up for · vouch for · back up
talk, smack, talks, talking, talker, speaks, small talk, smacker, smacking