talking smack
Dishing out insults
Talking smack is speaking in a boastful, insulting, or provocatively disparaging way, especially about an opponent or rival: They were talking smack before the game.
The phrase implies competitive trash talk rather than serious hostility—more bluster than genuine threat.
Common in sports and gaming contexts.
- dissingVerbally showing disrespect
- talking trashCompetitive verbal mockery
- jibesFits or agrees
- rapQuick sharp blow
- tauntsMocking, provoking remarks
insults · yo mama jokes · mockery · banter · derision · roasting · clapbacks · verbal jabs · chirping · lip · getting under skin · ridicule · bragging · one-upmanship · jabbing · cheap shots · shade · sledging
verbal tone/intent
talking smackpraising
Voicing admiration
flattering · paying tribute · building up · hyping up · lauding
talk, talks, talked, talker, talkers, smack, smacks, smacked, smacking