Provocative Language

verb to excite or arouse in a playful or teasing way

• The author's use of vivid imagery titillates the reader's imagination.
• The movie trailer titillated my interest in seeing the film.
• That new video game really titillates my gaming senses.
• The idea of traveling to exotic locations always titillates my sense of adventure.

adverb describes how something is done without shame or embarrassment

• The artist unashamedly displayed their controversial artwork in the gallery.
• She unashamedly belted out her favorite song in the car.
• He unashamedly rocked his new kicks at the party.
• The company unashamedly promoted their product as the best on the market.

noun a type of speech characterized by insults, boasting, or other disrespectful remarks

verb to engage in smack talk

• The debate turned heated when one of the participants resorted to using smack talk.
• I can't believe the smack talk that was going on between those two players!
• The smack talk was getting real between those two friends.
• His words were like a sharp smack talk to her confidence.

noun A burr is a small, prickly seed or fruit that can get stuck in clothing or animal fur.

preposition In/under indicates the location of the burr in relation to the saddle.

• The constant complaints from the employee were like a burr in the saddle for the manager.
• Her constant nagging about the project deadline was a real burr in my saddle.
• His constant teasing about my new haircut was a real burr in my saddle.
• The unresolved issue between the two countries was like a burr in the saddle of their diplomatic relations.