English

Verb

talk up

1. (idiomatic, transitive) To talk about (something or someone) to make it seem as good as possible or to draw positive attention to it.
2. (idiomatic, intransitive) To talk louder.
3. (intransitive) To speak in a plain and candid way.
   • 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 19

     “Look here, friend,” said I, “if you have anything important to tell us, out with it; but if you are only trying to bamboozle us, you are mistaken in your game; that’s all I have to say.”

     And it’s said very well, and I like to hear a chap talk up that way; you are just the man for him—the likes of ye.

Synonyms

• (talk about someone positively): big up, promote
• (talk louder): speak up

Usage notes

• (talk about something positively): The object of the verb is inserted between talk and up, as in talk someone up.

See also

• chat up

Anagrams

• uptalk