saucy

[saw-see]

adjective

saucier, sauciest 

1. impertinent; insolent.

   a saucy remark; a saucy child.

   Synonyms: brazen, fresh, impudent, rude

2. pert; boldly smart.

   a saucy little hat for Easter.

   Synonyms: jaunty

saucy

/ ˈsɔːsɪ /

adjective

1. impertinent

2. pert; jaunty

   a saucy hat

Other Word Forms

• saucily adverb
• sauciness noun
• oversaucy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of saucy¹

First recorded in 1500–10; sauce + -y ¹

Example Sentences

It’s a rare spot that excels at both minimalist nigiri, where the fish is the star, and saucy, more elaborate rolls.

Read more on Salon

I haven’t yet executed this masterpiece — I need to be in the right mood, saucy enough — but perhaps this week is the week.

Read more on Salon

It consists of two layers of moist sponge cake smothered in custard filling and whipped cream that’s then topped with a glorious spread of saucy strawberries and dollops of extra whipped cream.

Read more on Salon

After graduating in 2011, he debuted the Ooo-We! sauce, a “sweet, spicy, saucy glaze” that he said pairs well with everything from eggs to pork tenderloin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the media, she was painted as a "brazen hussy", "one of those saucy females who like to keep a male on a string".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• brash 
• cheeky 
• flippant 
• rude