back-talk

back-talk

A child is giving back-talk to his mother.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Disrespectful or impudent reply: "back-talk" refers to a spoken response that is insolent, cheeky, or argumentative, especially from a subordinate (such as a child or employee) to an authority figure.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The teacher sent the student to the principal's office for back-talk. (The student was punished for giving a disrespectful reply.)
    • I won't tolerate any back-talk from you, young man! (The speaker refuses to accept impudent responses from a child.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to give back-talk": to respond with insolence or defiance.

    • She gave her mother back-talk when told to clean her room. (She answered disrespectfully to a parental command.)

  • "no back-talk": a phrase used to demand obedience and silence.

    • The drill sergeant shouted, "No back-talk! Just follow orders!" (The sergeant forbade any argumentative replies.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Back-talker (n): a person who habitually gives impudent replies.

    • He's known as a back-talker in the office; he never accepts criticism politely. (He frequently responds disrespectfully.)

  • Sass (n/v): informal synonym for back-talk or impudence.

    • Don't give me any sass! (Don't talk back disrespectfully.)
Synonyms

  • Impudence: rude and disrespectful behaviour or speech.

    • His impudence got him a detention. (His rudeness led to punishment.)

  • Insolence: insulting or contemptuous behaviour or language.

    • The employee's insolence resulted in a warning. (His disrespectful talk earned a reprimand.)

  • Cheek: (British informal) impudent talk or behaviour.

    • What a cheek! Talking back to your teacher like that. (How rude!)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Talk back: to reply rudely or defiantly (the verb form of "back-talk").
    • The child was punished for talking back to his grandmother. (He answered disrespectfully.)
Related Idioms

  • Give someone lip: to speak to someone in a rude or disrespectful way.

    • If you give the boss lip, you might get fired. (If you talk back insolently, you risk losing your job.)

  • Smart mouth: a tendency to make rude or cleverly disrespectful remarks.

    • He's got a smart mouth and often gets into trouble for it. (He habitually uses impudent speech.)