sassiness

[ sas-ee-nis ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sassiness¹

sassy ¹( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

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

Crystallized ginger adds “sassiness,” and passion fruit provides the desired juiciness.

From Seattle Times

The Leons of our neighborhoods are also the ones who are most likely to settle with the Wandas because they represent everything a project boy needs in a partner – from the sassiness to the understanding of how the streets work, to their uncanny ability to surprise you, just when you thought you had them all figured out.

From Salon

For some, sassiness becomes their armor, weapon and self-care.

From Washington Post

Readers familiar with Hurston’s work will note the continued signatures of her voice in these essays: the sassiness, the boldness to take to task those institutions or individuals who, in her mind, would exploit lesser-informed African Americans.

From New York Times