Uptalk

Quick meaning: Uptalk is a noun meaning (linguistics) Speech that has a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, as if it were a question; upspeak.

Meaning

(linguistics) Speech that has a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, as if it were a question; upspeak.

More Meanings

1. (linguistics, intransitive) To speak with a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, as if it were a question; to upspeak.

Example Sentences

The sorority members' own interpretation of uptalk was that it was a way of being inclusive.

I asked the girl what she wanted. "Um, an apple martini?" she uptalked. / "I can do one," I said, "but you'll regret it." Our apple juice was disgusting and the apples we kept in stock weren't even the right kind.

Citing analyses of uptalk and proposals concerning its origins, he hopes that looking at the evidence for how uptalk is actually used 'will help you make linguistic peace with your uptalking daughter and her professional friends'.

I drove my sneaker into her shin. "Our assignment was to pretend we were at a sporting event? Okay?" / "She uptalks when she's nervous," Cinnamon said to Lars. He chuckled, but her comment made me mad. And embarrassed. / "I'm not nervous," I said.

Word Forms

• uptalks
• uptalking
• uptalked

Synonyms for uptalk

Depending on context, synonyms include upspeak.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include upspeak, upspeaker, uptalking, upstep, intonation, upskip.

Related Dictionary Tools