smart-mouth
Disrespectful verbal retorter
Smart-mouth refers to impudent or sarcastic speech, or a person who speaks that way.
As a verb, to smart-mouth someone is to talk back disrespectfully: Don't smart-mouth me, young man.
The adjective smart-mouthed describes someone given to such remarks: a smart-mouthed teenager.
The term implies cleverness deployed rudely.
Insolent verbal response
- sassImpertinent verbal attitude
- insolenceBold, offensive disrespect
- impudenceShameless boldness toward superiors
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
cheek · lip · attitude · talking back · disrespect · audacity · gall · nerve
Brief witty remarks
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- reparteeQuick, clever conversation
- clevernessMental quickness and skill
- wordplayVerbal wit techniques
one-liners · wisecracking · sharp tongue · quick wit · humor · jokes · puns · witticism
backtalk
Insolent verbal response
- sassImpertinent verbal attitude
- insolenceBold, offensive disrespect
- impudenceShameless boldness toward superiors
insubordination · cheek · lip · attitude · talking back · disrespect · audacity · gall · nerve · brass
quips
Brief witty remarks
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- reparteeQuick, clever conversation
- clevernessMental quickness and skill
wordplay · one-liners · wisecracking · sharp tongue · quick wit · humor · jokes · puns · witticism · drollery
snark
Cutting, mocking commentary
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- wisecracksClever, mocking remarks
- put-downsDisparaging remarks
zingers · jabs · digs · taunts · jeers · jibes · ridicule · derision · sneering · scoffing
smart-mouthmeek
Humbly unassertive
deferential · respectful · yes-man · bootlicker · polite
smart, mouth, smarts, smarter, smartest, smartly, smartness, mouths, mouthed