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

Example Sentences

The shows are part of her biggest tour to date, which showcases a newfound confidence - in terms of styling, sass and choreography - from an artist who initially performed under a shroud of anonymity.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 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

Still, for all of the song's sass and flippancy, Raye is deadly serious about snaring a partner.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2025

Allison’s Angélique is just as much a standout, renewing the bawdy earthiness of Shakespeare’s nurse with contemporary sass and rousing singing.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

I said, “I don’t make messes,” without a lick of sass.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia