mouthing off
Speaking out disrespectfully
Mouthing off is speaking disrespectfully or aggressively, especially to someone in authority: He got suspended for mouthing off to the teacher.
It suggests backtalk, complaints, or opinions delivered with attitude rather than deference.
Someone who mouths off talks when they probably shouldn't, or says things better left unsaid.
Insolent verbal response
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- talking backRude reply to authority
sass · cheek · insolence · disrespect · audacity · brazenness · boldness · recalcitrance
Disrespectful social behavior
- impudenceShameless boldness toward superiors
- impertinenceRude disregard for propriety
- cheekinessLighthearted disrespect
- flippancyFrivolous lack of seriousness
irreverence · sarcasm · mockery · sneering · derision · scorn · contempt · disdain
Voicing persistent complaints
- whiningProlonged nasal complaining
- grumblingMuttering in discontent
- ventingReleasing emotion verbally
- rantingAngry, prolonged speech
tirade · airing grievances · sounding off · spouting off · going off · letting loose · unloading · criticizing
Impulsive verbal outburst
- outburstSudden emotional release
- tactlessInsensitive in manner
- unthinkingLacking conscious thought
- impetuousActing on sudden urge
rashness · indiscretion · unfiltered · shooting from the hip · speaking out of turn · loose cannon · hotheaded · reckless
Verbal conflict between parties
- quarrelingArguing angrily with another
- bickeringPetty verbal sparring
- squabblingArguing over trivialities
- verbal sparringCompetitive witty exchange
heated exchange · war of words · altercation · dispute · clash · fighting words · provocation · antagonism
backtalk
Insolent verbal response
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
talking back · sass · cheek · insolence · disrespect · audacity · brazenness · boldness · recalcitrance · noncompliance
rudeness
Disrespectful social behavior
- impudenceShameless boldness toward superiors
- impertinenceRude disregard for propriety
- cheekinessLighthearted disrespect
flippancy · irreverence · sarcasm · mockery · sneering · derision · scorn · contempt · disdain · ridicule
griping
Voicing persistent complaints
ranting · tirade · airing grievances · sounding off · spouting off · going off · letting loose · unloading · criticizing · objecting
blurting
Impulsive verbal outburst
- outburstSudden emotional release
- tactlessInsensitive in manner
- unthinkingLacking conscious thought
impetuous · rashness · indiscretion · unfiltered · shooting from the hip · speaking out of turn · loose cannon · hotheaded · reckless · hasty
arguing
Verbal conflict between parties
- quarrelingArguing angrily with another
- bickeringPetty verbal sparring
- squabblingArguing over trivialities
verbal sparring · heated exchange · war of words · altercation · dispute · clash · fighting words · provocation · antagonism · aggression
- rudenessrude, discourtesy, impolite, rudeness, disrespect
- backtalkbacktalk, sass, lip, backchat, talk back
- tauntstaunts, taunt, taunting, neener neener, insults
- verbal fightsargument, quarrel, dispute, confrontation, shouting match
mouthing offkeeping quiet
Remaining silent
biting one's tongue · deferring · complying · saying nothing · keeping mum
mouthing offholding back
Preventing forward movement
self-censoring · keeping one's own counsel · suffering in silence
mouth, mouthful, mouthpiece, mouths, mouthed, mouthing, mouthwash, mouthwatering, mouthy