pep talk

What it means

A pep talk is a brief, encouraging speech meant to lift the spirits and motivation of a person or team before a challenge. Coaches use them before games, managers before big meetings, parents before exams — anywhere a quick boost of confidence and energy is needed.

Examples

• The coach gave us a quick pep talk before the second half.
• I needed a pep talk before walking into that interview.
• She always knows the right pep talk to get the team moving.
• He gave himself a pep talk in the mirror and went on stage.

Where it comes from

American sports slang from the 1920s, with 'pep' a clipped form of 'pepper,' used since the late 1800s to mean energy and enthusiasm. 'Pep talk' caught on through coaches and journalists and spread from sports into business and everyday life.

Related idioms