trash-talk
Verbal intimidation tactic
Trash-talk is taunting or boastful speech intended to intimidate or demoralize an opponent, common in sports and competitive gaming: The players exchanged trash-talk before the match.
As a verb, to trash-talk is to engage in such verbal sparring: He's been trash-talking me all week.
The tone ranges from playful ribbing to genuine hostility.
Insulting provocation
- disparageExpress low opinion of
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
disrespect · put-down · ridicule · diss · burn · slam · denigrate · cutting
Saying things in fun
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- ribbingAffectionate verbal teasing
- jestingPlayful, unserious speech
- playfulInclined toward fun
joshing · chaffing · repartee · wisecrack · bantering · roasting · needling · razzing
Disturb someone's composure
- menaceSource of potential harm
- bullyHabitual intimidator
- dominateControl through superior strength
- aggressiveHostile and confrontational
heckle · provoke · rattle · swagger · posturing · chest-thumping · gamesmanship · pre-game
taunt
Insulting provocation
- disparageExpress low opinion of
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
scorn · disrespect · put-down · ridicule · diss · burn · slam · denigrate · cutting · harsh
joking
Saying things in fun
playful · joshing · chaffing · repartee · wisecrack · bantering · roasting · needling · razzing · chirping
unnerve
Disturb someone's composure
aggressive · heckle · provoke · rattle · swagger · posturing · chest-thumping · gamesmanship · pre-game · face-off
- disparagementdefame, denigrate, disparage, malign, slander
- Pro Wrestlingheel, WrestleMania, face turn, Royal Rumble, kayfabe
trash-talksportsmanship
Ethical athletic conduct
good sportsmanship · graciousness · respect · courtesy · praise
trash-talkflattery
Excessive insincere praise
compliments · kind words · sweet talk · praise · admiration
trash-talkdiplomacy
Negotiation between nations
humility · modesty · self-deprecation · conciliation · peacemaking
talk, waste, trash, rubbish, talking, talkative, trashcan, trash talk, trash-talking