Talking Smack

What does talking smack mean?

Saying disrespectful things

Talking smack is when a person makes insulting, boastful, or provocative remarks about someone, often in a playful or competitive context. It typically involves verbally mocking, criticizing, or belittling another person, similar to "talking trash," to get a reaction or assert dominance.

The "talking smack" slang phrase is widely used in casual conversations online and in real life (IRL) wherever there is at least a hint of competitiveness.  While it can be lighthearted and playful among friends, "talking smack" can be vicious in competitive settings, such as sports or video games, where participants try to psych out their opponents to gain an edge in competitiveness.

Origin of talking smack

The slang phrase "talking smack" originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The "smack" initially referred to the act of slapping or hitting someone in the face, a metaphor for delivering sharp or stinging verbal insults (similar to burn).

Over time, the phrase has evolved into a more general term for boasting or trash-talking. People of all ages and backgrounds may use the phrase, though it's most commonly heard in informal settings, like between friends, sports teams, or online gaming communities.

Example

How was the game?
Jeremy was talking smack the whole time, which motivated me to posterize him
That's dope
Murtaugh tolerates no one talking smack about him
Murtaugh tolerates no one talking smack about him

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Updated March 24, 2025

Talking smack definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the slang term "Talking smack" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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