sassiness

American  

[sas-ee-nis] / ˈsæs i nɪs /

noun

1. a disrespectful or smart-alecky quality, especially of speech; impudence.

   Both kids have hit the stage of not listening, throwing tantrums, and just downright rudeness and sassiness.

2. smart boldness of style.

   In this album they return with a feisty yet mature sassiness that shows off their vocal capabilities.

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Etymology

Origin of sassiness

sassy ¹ ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

“They combine beauty, glamour, sophistication, sassiness and scintillating harmonies in a way no female group has since the heyday of Diana Ross and company.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

Hart’s 14-year-old daughter, Kimberly Vaughan, was a Girl Scout through and through, who devoured books and was a model of politeness, with an occasional burst of sassiness sneaking through.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2023

In promotional material for the show, Jasmine was described as having "sassiness, confidence and lots of opinions".

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2021

It can be frustrating and confusing to try to reach out to a prickly young woman, and we are easily triggered by her sassiness.

From Washington Post • Jun. 28, 2016

I was amazed at her courage, and frightened of her sassiness.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison