back talk

Or back·talk

[bak tawk]

noun

1. rude or disrespectful replies to the requests or directives of an authority figure; sass.

   That kind of back talk will get her in trouble at school.

   Synonyms: cheek, impertinence, insolence

verb (used with or without object)

1. to reply to (someone in authority) in a rude or disrespectful manner.

   They back-talk to their parents and have never really had any discipline.

   Don't back-talk me, son.

Word History and Origins

Origin of back talk¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Related Words

• answer back 
• talk back