impertinence
Disrespectful bold behavior
Impertinence is rudeness or disrespect, especially from someone in a subordinate position: The teacher wouldn't tolerate such impertinence from a student.
The word suggests overstepping boundaries—speaking or acting in ways inappropriate to one's station.
An impertinence is a specific rude remark or act: He had the impertinence to question my credentials.
Brazen, reckless daring
- gallImpudent boldness or bitterness
- nerveSignal-carrying body fiber
- chutzpahShameless, admirable audacity
- effronteryShameless, insolent boldness
temerity · brazenness · impudence · boldness · forwardness · overstepping · liberties · familiarity
Lack of good manners
- incivilityRude or impolite behavior
- discourtesyRude or impolite behavior
- disrespectLack of regard
- insolenceBold, offensive disrespect
cheekiness · sass · sauciness · freshness · lip · backtalk · flippancy · brashness
Defying workplace authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- disregardWillful lack of attention
- rebelliousnessTendency toward defiant resistance
- contumacyObstinate resistance to authority
recalcitrance · noncompliance · unruliness · mutinousness · obstinacy · willfulness · stubbornness · contempt
Veering off topic
- tangentLine touching curve once
- asideBrief theatrical digression
- non sequiturIllogical conclusion or remark
- diversionRedirection of attention
excursus · deviation · inapplicability · immateriality · inconsequence · red herring · beside the point
audacity
Brazen, reckless daring
- gallImpudent boldness or bitterness
- nerveSignal-carrying body fiber
- chutzpahShameless, admirable audacity
effrontery · temerity · brazenness · impudence · boldness · forwardness · overstepping · liberties · familiarity · intrusiveness
impoliteness
Lack of good manners
- incivilityRude or impolite behavior
- discourtesyRude or impolite behavior
- disrespectLack of regard
insolence · cheekiness · sass · sauciness · freshness · lip · backtalk · flippancy · brashness · unmannerliness
insubordination
Defying workplace authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- disregardWillful lack of attention
- rebelliousnessTendency toward defiant resistance
contumacy · recalcitrance · noncompliance · unruliness · mutinousness · obstinacy · willfulness · stubbornness · contempt · resistance
digression
Veering off topic
- tangentLine touching curve once
- asideBrief theatrical digression
- non sequiturIllogical conclusion or remark
diversion · excursus · deviation · inapplicability · immateriality · inconsequence · red herring · beside the point
- audacityboldness, brazenness, audacity, chutzpah, gall
- bad mannersrudeness, impoliteness, discourtesy, incivility, disrespect
- misbehaviormisbehave, misbehavior, mischief, misconduct, naughty
- mischiefmischief, hijinks, antics, pranks, antic
- backtalkbacktalk, sass, lip, backchat, talk back
- presumptuousnesspresumptuousness, audacity, forwardness, boldness, cheek
impertinencerespect
Regard with honor
deference · courtesy · politeness · civility · graciousness
impertinencepertinence
Quality of being applicable
relevance · appropriateness · applicability · materiality · suitability