Definition & Meaning of "uptalk"

What is "uptalk"?

Uptalk is a speech pattern where the speaker ends statements with a rising pitch, similar to the intonation used when asking a question. This feature is commonly heard in casual conversation, particularly among younger speakers in some English-speaking countries. Uptalk can serve various social functions, such as seeking confirmation, maintaining listener engagement, or softening the tone of a statement to make it sound less assertive. While some people may view uptalk as informal or uncertain, it is widely used in everyday communication and reflects changing speech habits.