smarted off
Gave lip back
Smarted off is the past tense of smart off, meaning to speak in a disrespectful or sarcastic way, especially to someone in authority: He smarted off to the teacher and got sent to the principal's office.
The phrase suggests impudent backtalk—being clever in a way that's unwelcome.
- sassImpertinent verbal attitude
- back talkImpudent response to authority
- snarkCutting, mocking commentary
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
wisecrack · rebellion · crossed the line · frustration · lippy · defiance · comeback · verbal sparring · annoyance · retort · insolence · punishment · anger · quip · sharp tongue · disrespect · indignation · escalation