talk smack about

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   To say rude or unkind things about someone when they are not there.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase with an object after 'about': talk smack about someone.

   Patterns

   • talk smack about someone
   • talk smack about someone behind their back
   • be caught talking smack about someone

   The players were talking smack about the coach in the locker room.

   She got angry when she found out her friends had been talking smack about her online.

   Stop talking smack about your teammates and say it to their faces.

2. 2phraseintransitiveinformalsport

   To make boastful, teasing comments, especially before a game or contest.

   Grammar: Here it can stand alone without an object; the boasting is the point, not a target.

   Patterns

   • talk smack before a game
   • talk smack to someone

   Both boxers spent the week talking smack before the fight.

   He likes to talk smack, but he's actually a quiet guy.

Common combinations

talk smack about someone

It's not nice to talk smack about your classmates.

talk smack behind someone's back

They were talking smack behind her back all afternoon.

talk smack to someone

Don't talk smack to the referee.

talk smack before a game

The rivals talked smack before the game and then shook hands.

Synonyms and how they differ

badmouth

Similar in meaning but slightly less slangy and more common in British English.

criticize

Neutral and formal; use it in writing where 'talk smack' would sound too casual.

gossip about

Focuses on spreading personal details rather than insulting someone.

Opposites

Word family

smack talk noun

Boastful or insulting remarks, especially in sports.

Commonly confused: talk smack about or talk back?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “talk smack about”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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