upspeak

noun

up·​speak ˈəp-ˌspēk 

variants or less commonly up-speak

: uptalk

Speak with confidence. Lots of people have speech patterns that convey uncertainty. Eliminate upspeak—giving the last syllable a higher inflection.

—Kathryn Rem, The State Journal-Register (Springfield, Illinois), 21 June 1998

… the giddy upspeak of the L.A. Basin (Hi? My name is Mary?) …

—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2000

upspeak intransitive verb

or less commonly up-speak

upspoke ˈəp-ˌspōk  also up-spoke; upspoken ˈəp-ˌspō-kən  also up-spoken; upspeaking also up-speaking; upspeaks also up-speaks

There's this linguist? Cynthia McLemore? Who studied female students at the University of Texas? Who up-speak a lot? And she found out that up-talk may very well serve a useful purpose. All those up inflections? They draw attention to what one says, McLemore claims.

—Bonnie McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 28 Nov. 1993

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for upspeak

• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique
• critique
• grosbeak
• midweek
• mystique
• oblique
• physique