Sass

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /sæs/

Definitions

1. A disrespectful or cheeky remark often meant to offend ; to reply in a rude or impertinent manner, usually toward an authority figure
2. Speech that is boldly disrespectful or impertinent ; to speak insolently or show impudence in response to someone
3. Words that are brazenly disrespectful or saucy ; to answer back with bold rudeness or cheek

Etymology: "Sass" is a variant of "sauce," and the link runs through the older sense of sauce as impudence. In American English, "sauce" was used for cheeky, saucy talk, and the spelling "sass" emerged as a respelling that matched the word's pronunciation in many speakers' mouths. The sense of "rude back talk" grew from that cheeky meaning, so a word for a dish of seasoning ended up naming the lip a child or servant gave a superior. Both forms carry the same idea: something spiced up, with a bit of bite. "Sass" has stayed the more common spelling, especially in informal use, and it now works as both a noun and a verb, as in giving someone sass or sassing back.

Synonyms: impudence, insolence, cheek, backtalk, rudeness

Antonyms: respect, politeness, courtesy, deference, humility