pep talk
noun phrase

- a short speech intended to encourage people to work harder or try to win a game or competition

Cambridge Dictionary

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ORIGIN

20th century, short for pepper, and meaning to make something more animated, vigorous, or lively.

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POLONIUS’ PEP TALK

“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

(Spoken by King Claudius’ chief minister, Polonius as part of a speech where he is giving his son, Laertes, his blessing and advice on how to behave whilst at university.)

Hamlet - Act 1 Scene 3

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SYNONYMS

arm-twist, clarion call, inspirational talk, kick in the pants (backside), rallying cry, team talk, pep rally, spurring on, why and wherefore

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PRACTICE OWAD in an English conversation, discuss something like:

“The project leader gave the whole team a PEP TALK at the weekly meeting this morning.”

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THANKS to Florian for suggesting today’s phrase

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Paul Smith