ginger talk
nounEtymology From the idea of gingering a horse to make it seem more lively, or adding ginger to spice up a food or beverage; compare ginger group. Perhaps coined by Worthington C. Holman, author of Ginger Talks: The Talks of a Sales Manager to His Men (1905).
1
US, Obsolete A speech, particularly one given to salespeople, aimed at inspiring and boosting confidence.
- […] the psychology of salesmanship, when it does not degenerate into a collection of bromidic maxims or a brisk and stimulating bit of “ginger talk,” consists for the most part of the general facts of human nature […]1917, Harry L. Hollingworth and A. T. Poffenberger, chapter 13, in Applied Psychology, page 246:
- Come on fellows, let’s work up some real genuine enthusiasm and all boost together for the snappiest dinner yet! Elegant eats, short ginger-talks and memories shared together of the brightest, gladdest days of life.1922, Sinclair Lewis, chapter 15, in Babbitt, page 191:
1 more example
- Thats’ Art’s number one “Ginger Talk,” honey. He gives it to the salesmen every Monday.1954, Eleanor Bayer and Leo Bayer, Third Best Sport, page 21:
- Related terms
- pep talk