Trash-talk is a form of boast or insult commonly heard in competitive situations (such as sports events), primarily in the US. It is often used to intimidate the opposition, but can also be used in a humorous spirit. Trash-talk is often characterized by use of hyperbole, or figurative language, e.g., "Your team can't run! You run like honey on ice!" Puns and other wordplay are commonly used.
Trash-talk was commonly used by the heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali in the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, it has become common for boxers, wrestlers and other sportsmen to use trash-talk.[1] Trash talking (or "hot dogging") in amateur sports ranks is generally discouraged and frowned upon (especially in youth leagues).