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Definition of uptalk

uptalk

/ˈʌpˌtɔːk/
up · talk
Past Simple:uptalked
•
Past Participle:uptalked
•
Present Participle:uptalking
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uptalk Lexical Profile

uptalk Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A manner of speaking in which declarative sentences are uttered with a rising intonation at the end, making them sound like questions.

Example

"Thelinguistics professor explained that uptalk is often used by speakers to check if the listener is following the conversation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for uptalk

• verb

1

To speak with a rising intonation at the end of declarative sentences, as if asking a question.

Example

"People sometimes uptalk when they are nervous during a presentation or job interview."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for uptalk

• Nearby Words

upswept
upswing
uptake
uptalk
uptempo
upthread
uptick

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1993 by journalist James Gorman in a New York Times article, combining 'up' and 'talk' to describe the rising intonation pattern.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uptalk. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uptalk
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