noun / verb
sass
SASS/sæs/
Bold or disrespectful talk or attitude.
The man's mock salute adds sass to his response about removing his shoes.
Etymology
Sauce supplied a figurative image of something adding piquancy to words or actions. That verbal seasoning became impertinence—the bold, disrespectful quality expressed by sass.
In context
I I know that I love that Kyle sass. I love it when the sass comes up.
More examples
- He sasses his coach whenever he disagrees with a call.
- Don't sass me when I'm trying to help you.
- The principal has little patience for sass in the classroom.
Forms
sass · sasses · sassed · sassing
sassy adjective — Bold or disrespectful in speech or attitude.
Similar words
- backtalk
- Backtalk specifically means a disrespectful reply to someone in authority.
- impudence
- Impudence includes disrespectful behavior, not just bold or cheeky speech.