smart-mouthed
Quick with backtalk
Smart-mouthed describes someone who speaks in a disrespectful, sarcastic, or impertinent way, especially to authority figures: Don't get smart-mouthed with me, young man.
The term suggests quick, clever remarks that cross the line from witty to insolent.
A smart-mouthed teenager talks back; a smart-mouthed employee makes snide comments to the boss.
Mockingly critical in tone
- sarcasticMockingly insincere in tone
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
cutting · acerbic · mordant · sharp-tongued · scathing · cynical · ironic · satirical
Boldly rude and disrespectful
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
- brazenShamelessly bold
- audaciousRecklessly or disrespectfully fearless
contemptuous · disdainful · mocking · snide · flippant · irreverent · scoffing · disparaging
Showing mental quickness
- quick-wittedFast at thinking
- quipsBrief witty remarks
- wisecracksClever, mocking remarks
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
wordplay · retorts · comebacks · one-liners · zingers · jesting · droll · facetious
snarky
Mockingly critical in tone
- sarcasticMockingly insincere in tone
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
biting · cutting · acerbic · mordant · sharp-tongued · scathing · cynical · ironic · satirical · trenchant
insolent
Boldly rude and disrespectful
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
- brazenShamelessly bold
audacious · contemptuous · disdainful · mocking · snide · flippant · irreverent · scoffing · disparaging · lippy
clever
Showing mental quickness
- quick-wittedFast at thinking
- quipsBrief witty remarks
- wisecracksClever, mocking remarks
banter · wordplay · retorts · comebacks · one-liners · zingers · jesting · droll · facetious · witticism
smart-mouthedrespectful
Showing proper regard
deferential · meek · submissive · obedient · polite
smart-mouthedsoft-spoken
Speaking quietly, gently
reserved · quiet · reticent · taciturn · tight-lipped