back talk

or back·talk

[ bak tawk ]

noun

1. rude or disrespectful replies to the requests or directives of an authority figure; sass:

   That kind of back talk will get her in trouble at school.

   Synonyms: cheek, impertinence, insolence

verb (used with or without object)

1. to reply to (someone in authority) in a rude or disrespectful manner:

   They back-talk to their parents and have never really had any discipline.

   Don't back-talk me, son.

Word History and Origins

Origin of back talk¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Push back more—with votes, with money, and with plenty of back talk!

From The Daily Beast

"I ain't goin' ter take none o' yer back-talk, nuther," whooped the man.

From Project Gutenberg

"I let one man call me a fool to-day and I didn't make back talk—but I know where to draw the line," warned Candage.

From Project Gutenberg

Ain't it dawned on you, Mac, that it's up to you an' me to find the steamer Maggie an' git back to work quick an' no back talk?

From Project Gutenberg

He did not enjoy what Bill Mosely called "back talk" as well as his partner, and it struck him as so much waste of time.

From Project Gutenberg

The first thing, sir, is that Im going to be obeyed, without question and without any back talk.

From Project Gutenberg