Sasses

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. To speak or reply to someone in a cheeky or disrespectful manner
2. To show impudence by making witty or bold remarks
3. To engage in banter characterized by playful irreverence and a lack of seriousness

Etymology: "Sasses" is the third-person singular form of "sass," so its story is the story of "sass." The verb and noun come from "sauce," an older English word for impudence or cheeky talk. In the sense of insolent back-talk, "sass" is an American English usage, and the link runs back through a familiar word for the sauce or relish served with food. Figuratively, a saucy reply was a sharp, spicy one, and the metaphor of cheeky talk as something tangy on the tongue is what the word still carries.

Synonyms: talks back, backtalks, retorts, rebels, disrespects

Antonyms: respects, obeys, complies, listens