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backtalk

backtalk

2 7.7
Rude replies to a person in charge
  • noun
  • /ˈbækˌtɔk/
  • Offensive
translation icon : contestación grosera
  • I don't appreciate backtalk in front of half the damn senior class.
  • give me any backtalk

Examples

  • Getting fired because of a mistake is nothing, as we are all human, but getting fired because of backtalk is ruinous.

    Blog text (23)
  • No disrespect, no confrontations, no backtalk, etc.

    Blog text (30)
  • Listen, better watch out with the backtalk.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • - Okay, just give me your license and registration and save the backtalk.

  • "No backtalk," Fat Staffer says.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Almost going to jail due to engaging in snide backtalk to a reasonable judge is downright stupid.

    Blog text (34)
  • Smart aleck backtalk.

  • When the teacher asked her why she was late, she replied with some backtalk that got her into trouble.

  • He received a warning for his backtalk during the meeting with the principal.

  • The coach was frustrated by the player's backtalk and demanded respect on the field.

Synonyms

mouth
vsbacktalk
  • Informal
797 8.9

Rude talk that shows disrespect

is a general term for rude replies not only brief comebacks
lip
vsbacktalk
  • Informal
164 8.4

Rude talk used to answer a person in charge

is not limited to informal tone and can be more openly rude
disrespect
vsbacktalk
133 3.4

Rude behavior or words that show a lack of respect for someone

is specific to spoken replies rather than all rude conduct
insolence
vsbacktalk
19 7.2

Rude behavior or speech toward someone in authority

focuses on replies specifically not all rude behaviour
sass
vsbacktalk
  • Informal
16 8.7

Rude, cheeky talk to someone in charge

is ruder and less specifically cheeky when replying to authority
backchat
vsbacktalk
  • Offensive
1 8.6

Replies that are cheeky and rude, often quick and playful

is harsher and more plainly disrespectful than light teasing
sassing
vsbacktalk
  • Informal
1 8.6

Rude talk that you say back to someone

is broader covering any rude reply not only comebacks
snidery
vsbacktalk
9.9

Words or actions meant to hurt someone

is broader and stresses disrespectful replies rather than mocking tone
dick response
vsbacktalk
  • Offensive
9.9

A reply that is rude on purpose and meant to upset someone

is less about provocation and more about general disrespect

How Rude

insolence
19 7.2
insult
  • Offensive
313 1.3
backtalk
  • Offensive
2 7.7
retort
14 6.1
reply
251 1.0

Surface Forms

backtalk singular
backtalks plural

Morphology

backtalk = talk (transparent) = back + talk

Clear compound of 'back' + 'talk' meaning 'talking back' (rude replies); learners who know 'talk' and the phrase 'talk back' can infer the meaning. [Postprocessing: moved 'back' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Backtalk comes from joining back and talk, literally 'talking back' to someone. So, it now means a 'rude or disrespectful reply', often to a person in charge.