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Synonyms

saucy

American  
[saw-see] / ˈsɔ si /

adjective

saucier, sauciest
  1. impertinent; insolent.

    a saucy remark; a saucy child.

    Synonyms:
    brazen, fresh, impudent, rude
  2. pert; boldly smart.

    a saucy little hat for Easter.

    Synonyms:
    jaunty

saucy British  
/ ˈsɔːsɪ /

adjective

  1. impertinent

  2. pert; jaunty

    a saucy hat

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Adjectives

Etymology

Origin of saucy

First recorded in 1500–10; sauce + -y 1

Explanation

You can use saucy to describe someone who likes to cause trouble, but usually in a playful and funny way. Saucy is also a good word for a person who really likes to flirt. In the novel Oliver Twist, the character the Artful Dodger goes to court for stealing. During his hearing, the ten-year-old screams, “I am an Englishman; where are my rights?” Saucy words from a saucy child. A saucy comment makes people gasp because it’s surprising and a little dangerous or edgy. Saucy can also describe a person who is boldly flirtatious.

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Vocabulary lists containing saucy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

KFC elsewhere is testing a new restaurant concept called Saucy by KFC, with a menu focused on tenders, drinks and 11 different sauces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

Saucy Curries are also a great place to combine different vegetables and proteins and have it all be pulled together with a tasty sauce.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2024

“When he got me, he really saw something in me,” she told friend and “Material Gworl” rapper Saucy Santana.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

Rapper Saucy Santana vogued and twerked while performing some of his TikTok hits including “Material Girl.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2022

Saucy Beatrice looked up, beady-eyed, to catch Lady Augusta’s attention.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

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