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

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

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2025

Former child star Danielle Spencer, who brought sass as little sis Dee in the 1970s sitcom ‘What’s Happening!!,’ died Monday after battling cancer.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

He can’t do that with his own brother, but with Skip, he can sass him back.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2024

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

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

I let the sass slide because I was making a point and didn’t want to get sidetracked.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia