talk trash
Hurl verbal jabs
Talk trash is to taunt or insult opponents, typically in sports or competition, to intimidate them or throw them off their game: He was talking trash before the fight.
The phrase extends beyond athletics to any situation involving boastful putdowns or aggressive verbal jousting: They've been talking trash about each other online for weeks.
Scornful ridicule or travesty
- derisionContemptuous mockery
- tauntInsulting provocation
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- dissInsult, in slang
put-down · barb · roast · snark · jibe · heckle · belittle · disparage
Insulting to provoke
- sledgingSliding downhill on snow
- mind gamesPsychological manipulation tactics
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- provocationAct that triggers response
banter · gamesmanship · needle · antagonize · rattle · showboating · swagger · flex
Unconfirmed circulating story
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- backbitingSpiteful talk about others
whisper · tittle-tattle · busybody · talebearer · chatter · gab · natter · badmouthing
mockery
Scornful ridicule or travesty
diss · put-down · barb · roast · snark · jibe · heckle · belittle · disparage · demean
taunting
Insulting to provoke
- sledgingSliding downhill on snow
- mind gamesPsychological manipulation tactics
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
provocation · banter · gamesmanship · needle · antagonize · rattle · showboating · swagger · flex · bluster
rumor
Unconfirmed circulating story
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
backbiting · whisper · tittle-tattle · busybody · talebearer · chatter · gab · natter · badmouthing · mudslinging
talk trashpraise
Expression of approval
compliment · show respect · big up · commend · build up
talk trashplay nice
Behave fairly toward others
stay humble · bite one's tongue · hold one's peace · say nothing