Is trash talking dishonorable?

[Truthiness]

Is trash-talking dishonorable?

Trash-talking is common in some highly competitive sports, mainly combat sports. I believe that trash-talking isn’t dishonorable because it serves to benefit you by negatively impacting your opponent’s mental game. In any sport or competition, the mental aspect is a very important part of the overall competition and therefore it constitute as fair game to talk smack. On the other hand, if you don't stand to benefit from trash-talking, for example trash-talking to an opponent from a different weight-division that you will never compete against, than it is dishonorable because you are simply being a jerk.
Let me know what your opinions are on whether trash-talking is dishonorable in competitions.

[Morality Games]

Many people in my class trash-talk during P.E., and it definitely helps them win games. I try to refrain from it because I dislike saying it as much as hearing it, but I can get pretty mouthy when I get in a bad mood.

Anyway, I think there is definitely a nasty element in trash talking, but I question how realistic it is to call it 'dishonorable' -- is my dislike of trash talking because is brings discomfort to others any less selfish than my opponet's desire to utilize all their resources to pull out a victory because of the good feeling it gives them?

It seems like I am trying to avoid a bad feeling while they are trying to acquire a pleasant one -- both derive from a type of self-interest. In the context of a game, neither appears more justified than the other.

[Derach]

trash-talking can go over the top. I've coached many sports over the years, and as my kids approach HS playing football, lacrosse, and wrestling ... I hear a lot of unnecessary BS from other players and coaches and sometimes even parents. More often, I hear witty stuff from players that is not meant to be demening or personal ... but like i say, sometimes it gets out of hand ... up to the judges/ump/ref to draw the line and throw people out when it gets out of hand disrespectful.

[Truthiness]

Quote by: Derach trash-talking can go over the top. I've coached many sports over the years, and as my kids approach HS playing football, lacrosse, and wrestling ... I hear a lot of unnecessary BS from other players and coaches and sometimes even parents. More often, I hear witty stuff from players that is not meant to be demening or personal ... but like i say, sometimes it gets out of hand ... up to the judges/ump/ref to draw the line and throw people out when it gets out of hand disrespectful.

So you're saying that the criteria to judge whether shit-talking is dishonorable is up to the discretion of the judges/ump/ref and if they deem it to be dishonorable than the player is thrown out?

[Compugasm]

I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable.

[lindsay7]

Quote by: Compugasm I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable.

Makes sense... because if you trash talk and end up losing, you look like an idiot

[Compugasm]

An idiot wearing diapers no less.

[Derach]

Quote by: Truthiness So you're saying that the criteria to judge whether shit-talking is dishonorable is up to the discretion of the judges/ump/ref and if they deem it to be dishonorable than the player is thrown out?

Of course I believe in sporting events the official has the final say as to when something 'out of bounds' has been said or done. Who do you think should decide?

The 'honorobility' of what is said isn't important. It's about being able to maintain control of a game. The level of competition and the age level has much to do with how much 'shit-talking' should be allowed. In either case, the buck stops with the official ... go over the line, get a couple of warnings, then get tossed if you don't comply with the official's instructions.

[Jimmy the Pro]

Quote by: Truthiness Is trash-talking dishonorable? Trash-talking is common in some highly competitive sports, mainly combat sports. I believe that trash-talking isn’t dishonorable because it serves to benefit you by negatively impacting your opponent’s mental game. In any sport or competition, the mental aspect is a very important part of the overall competition and therefore it constitute as fair game to talk smack. On the other hand, if you don't stand to benefit from trash-talking, for example trash-talking to an opponent from a different weight-division that you will never compete against, than it is dishonorable because you are simply being a jerk. Let me know what your opinions are on whether trash-talking is dishonorable in competitions.

It depends on how one difines honor...

If the question being posed is one of honor, then yes, the purpose of trash-talking destroys such honor. My definition of honor is that honor stems from respect for oneself and another. Trash talking is an act of disrespect to the opponent. Therefore I believe demeaning or belittling one for personal gain is yes, dishonorable.

I understand it might give you an advantage and if the question were phrased "Is trash-talking advantageous" or "What are the benefits of trash talking" then you might have a valid supposition to your question. However, with the way the question is posed, I believe your claims that trash talking is advantageous to your game bares no relevency to the question of honor.

[Jack]

I'd prefer to win with superior skills and ability than by running my mouth. But then I've never been a very competitive person, so perhaps my opinion is worthless.

[KayTwee]

Quote by: Compugasm I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable.

I think I'll have to agree with the Sumos.

Sports are supposed to be tests of physical prowess, endurance and skill. To that end, I fail to see the glory in gaining an advantage by distracting your opponent. If you are truly interested in fair competition, the outcome of which clearly shows the better athlete, you should let your performance do the talking; anything else would taint the result.