uppity

[ uhp-i-tee ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. affecting an attitude of inflated self-esteem; haughty; snobbish.
2. rebelliously self-assertive; not inclined to be tractable or deferential.

uppity

/ ˈʌpɪtɪ /

adjective

1. not yielding easily to persuasion or control
2. another word for uppish

Other Words From

• uppi·ty·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uppity¹

1875–80, Americanism; probably up + -ity, extended form of -y ¹; pernickety

Word History and Origins

Origin of uppity¹

from up + fanciful ending, perhaps influenced by -ity

Example Sentences

For much of that time—in letters, newspapers, books, and speeches—many white people commonly described enslaved African Americans as shiftless or lazy, disrespectful or “uppity,” and ignorant.

From Literature

An uppity woman refusing to bend the knee when he tells her to is something he simply cannot abide.

From Salon

It's a subculture of people who valorize bullying and hate women, especially women who think are uppity.

From Salon

In these situations, where the public targets a woman for a metaphorical stoning, it usually reflects years of seething over perceived uppity or unacceptable behavior.

From Salon

The wealthiest and most international city in America, its grand mansions and comfortable houses would obviously be useful as a base for an invading army that was just beginning a campaign against uppity colonials.

From Washington Post

About This Word

More context on uppity

Uppity means “haughty” and “snobbish”—an adjective for someone who puts on airs, someone who is self-important. But, this descriptor has a very racist past, used particularly to disparage Black people as “not remembering their place as inferior.”

Given this explicitly racist past, it is a good idea to cut down on using uppity. Read our next section for some wise alternatives.

If knowing the history of uppity has got you reflecting on your word choices, this slideshow, “These Common Words Have Offensive Histories,” discusses many other words whose place in your vocab you may want to reconsider. 

Keep in mind …

There are plenty of alternatives to the problematic uppity. Besides haughty, snobbish, self-important, and putting on airs as noted above, such words as arrogant, snooty, pompous, smug, vain, and high and mighty can convey being overproud like uppity.

You can find even more synonyms at Thesaurus.com. We suggest you start with the adjective proud.