back talk
Disrespectful verbal response
Back talk is rude or impudent speech directed at someone in authority, especially by a child to a parent or teacher.
It implies defiance or disrespect rather than simple disagreement.
Don't give me any back talk—just do your homework.
The verb form is talk back: She was sent to her room for talking back.
Impertinent verbal attitude
- cheekAudacity or facial side
- lipMouth's outer edge
- mouthOral opening
- impudenceShameless boldness toward superiors
disrespect · impertinence · sauciness · smart-aleck · snark · wisecrack · freshness · mouthiness
Refusal to follow orders
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- noncomplianceFailure to follow requirements
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- recalcitranceStubborn refusal to obey
stubbornness · willfulness · contrariness · obstinacy · unruliness · challenge · refusal · rebellion
sass
Impertinent verbal attitude
impudence · disrespect · impertinence · sauciness · smart-aleck · snark · wisecrack · freshness · mouthiness · attitude
disobedience
Refusal to follow orders
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- noncomplianceFailure to follow requirements
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
recalcitrance · stubbornness · willfulness · contrariness · obstinacy · unruliness · challenge · refusal · rebellion · dissent
- Parenting Strugglestantrums, bedtime battles, sibling rivalry, picky eaters, potty training
- adolescencepuberty, teenager, coming-of-age, growing up, teen
- acting outtantrums, tantrum, meltdowns, pouting, whining
- misbehaviormisbehave, misbehavior, mischief, misconduct, naughty
- mischiefmischief, hijinks, antics, pranks, antic
- rudenessrude, discourtesy, impolite, rudeness, disrespect
back talkobedience
Compliance with authority
compliance · deference · submission · acquiescence · yes sir
back talkpoliteness
Courteous, respectful conduct
courtesy · respect · deference · respectfulness · civility