sass

¹ American  

[sas] / sæs /

noun

Chiefly New England, Midland, and Southern U.S.

1. stewed fruit; fruit sauce.

2. fresh vegetables.

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sass ² American  

[sas] / sæs /

noun

1. impudent or disrespectful back talk.

   Both parents refuse to take any sass from their kids.

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verb (used with object)

1. to answer back in an impudent manner.

   Don't sass your mother.

sass British  

/ sæs /

noun

1. insolent or impudent talk or behaviour

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verb

1. to talk or answer back in such a way

Etymology

Origin of sass¹

First recorded in 1765–75; variant of sauce

Origin of sass²

1855–60, back formation from sassy ¹

Explanation

Sass is a smart alecky or impudent reply. Your middle school teacher might warn you that once you get to high school, they won't put up with your sass. Use sass as a noun — or a verb, meaning to talk in a cheeky way: "Don't you dare sass your grandmother!" When someone teases you or speaks in an almost rude manner, they give you sass. This word emerged in the 19th century from the adjective sassy, which began as a variation on saucy, from the idea that words can be zesty, sharp, or spicy.

Example Sentences

For years, football fans have loved her sass and the excitement she exudes as she shouts out her picks, grabbing the anointed team’s helmet and sometimes tossing the opponent’s.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

In her own way – with a mixture of sass, fun and her distinctive cup of ambition – Dolly Parton asks us to do the same.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

He said Alice loved to perform and that the stage would provide a "space where children are going to show off their flair, their sass – and Alice had sass in bucketloads".

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025

Rare moments such this showed Holt could have humour and sass where necessary.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

Never before had my sass spoken of temples.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan