talk at

communication slang

The phrase "talk at" often implies a one-sided conversation where the speaker does not engage with the listener's responses or thoughts.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General Communication

(common, informal)To speak to someone without allowing them to respond or participate meaningfully.

Example

He tends to talk at people rather than having a real conversation.
Instead of talking at me, try to listen to what I have to say.

C1Indirect Communication

(informal)To direct remarks meant for one person to another person present.

Example

She was clearly talking at her ex, even though she was addressing the group.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "talk at":

talk to talk about talk over talk through talk sense talk out talk shop speak to do the talking shop talk table talk talk back talk shite talk cock sex talk big talk talking shop talk time smooth talk shit talk on talking terms double talk talk like a book dirty talk talk shit talk trash talk down baby talk talk story speak for talk up smack talk chalk talk speak up talk through one's hat talk to the hand have at holla at