talk up

English

Verb

talk up

1. (idiomatic, transitive) To talk about (something or someone) in such a way as to make the thing or person sound better than it actually is.
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 over-positively): big up, promote
• (talk louder): speak up

Usage notes

talk about someone in such a way to make him/her sound better than (s)he is

• The object of the verb is inserted between talk and up, as in talk someone up.

See also

• chat up

Anagrams

• uptalk