backtalk
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * Impudent or insolent reply: Disrespectful, rude, or argumentative speech directed back at someone in authority, such as a parent, teacher, or boss. It implies a lack of respect and a defiant attitude.
Usage
"Backtalk" is used to describe a specific instance or a general habit of speaking to someone in a rude, argumentative, or defiant manner, especially after being criticized or given an instruction. It is almost always used in a negative context to criticize the speaker's disrespectful tone.
Examples
- The teacher warned the student that she would not tolerate any backtalk in her classroom.
- "If you give me any more backtalk, you'll be grounded for a week," his mother said.
- His constant backtalk to the manager eventually got him fired.
Advanced Usage
- "to give (someone) backtalk": To speak insolently to someone.
- The child was punished for giving his father backtalk.
- "any of your backtalk": A common phrase used to reject or preemptively forbid rude replies.
- I don't want to hear any of your backtalk; just do your chores.
Variants and Related Words
- Back talk (noun): An alternative spelling of the same word.
- That's enough back talk from you.
- Talk back (phrasal verb): The verbal action of giving backtalk.
- It's rude to talk back to your elders.
Synonyms
- Sass: Impudent, lively talk; cheekiness (very close in meaning and often used interchangeably).
- Lip: Slang for impudent talk.
- Insolence: The quality of being insultingly disrespectful.
- Impertinence: Lack of respect; rudeness.
- Cheek: Informal term for disrespectful boldness.
Antonyms
- Respect
- Deference
- Politeness
- Obedience
Related Phrases
- Mouth off (phrasal verb): To speak in a rude, insolent, or disrespectful way.
- He's always mouthing off to the coach.
Noun
- an impudent or insolent rejoinder
- don't give me any of your sass