Speech for Fun, Fury, and Freedom: Exploring Trash Talk in Gaming Stations

Abstract

Anchored on the Neuro-Psycho-Social Theory of Speech of Jay (2000), this study explored trash talk in gaming stations and investigated how gamers perceive this form of verbal aggression as part of their gaming experience. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, informal observation, and recordings of gamers’ verbal interaction. Trash talk expressions were classified using the typology of Jay (2000) and Ivory et al. (2017), while interview responses were analyzed thematically using the procedure of Creswell (2013). Findings reveal that trash talk expressions include insults, slurs, swears, threats, and commands. These expressions are perceived as inherently part of the gaming culture where they play multiple functions, such as to heighten the fun, distract opponents, help release anger, and provide gamers a sense of power and freedom. Moreover, trash talk, which is largely attributed to peer influence, is generally considered inoffensive by gamers. These qualitative findings shed light on some research and pedagogical possibilities.