talked back
Gave lip to
Talked back is the past tense of talk back, meaning to reply defiantly or disrespectfully to someone in authority: She talked back to her mother and got grounded.
The phrase implies challenging or contradicting rather than simply responding—answering in a way that refuses to accept subordination.
Quick, cutting reply
- challengeTest of ability
- contradictDispute a statement
- disagreeHold a contrary opinion
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
counter · rebuttal · objection · protest · dissent · argue · clash · oppose
Quick, cutting reply
- sassImpertinent verbal attitude
- backtalkInsolent verbal response
- insolenceBold, offensive disrespect
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
disrespect · defiance · mouthing off · cheek · impudence · rebellion · disobedience · resistance
retort
Quick, cutting reply
- challengeTest of ability
- contradictDispute a statement
- disagreeHold a contrary opinion
dispute · counter · rebuttal · objection · protest · dissent · argue · clash · oppose · refute
retort
Quick, cutting reply
insubordination · disrespect · defiance · mouthing off · cheek · impudence · rebellion · disobedience · resistance · noncompliance
sassy
Boldly irreverent in manner
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
- insolentBoldly rude and disrespectful
flippant · sarcastic · snide · mouthy · lippy · fresh · saucy · snippy · curt · dismissive
talked backobeyed
Followed a directive
complied · submitted · deferred · acquiesced · yielded
talked backsaid nothing
kept quiet · shut up · bit one's tongue · clammed up · took it
talk, back, talks, talked, talking, talker, talkers, talkative, backs