back talk

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back talk

or back·talk (băk′tôlk′)

Insolent or impudent retorts.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

back′ talk`

impudence.

[1855–60]

back′-talk`, v.i., v.t.

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Noun

back talk - an impudent or insolent rejoinder; "don't give me any of your sass"

backtalk, sass, sassing, lip, mouth

comeback, rejoinder, retort, riposte, replication, counter, return - a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher"

Mentioned in ?

References in classic literature ?

"That'll teach you that back talk don't go with me," the trader shouted, purple with rage, peering down at him over the broken railing.

When he spoke, he was struck for giving back talk. When he was grave, Bunster accused him of plotting and gave him a thrashing in advance; and when he strove to be cheerful and to smile, he was charged with sneering at his lord and master and given a taste of stick.

View in context

'I would like to respectfully ask him to go to China and start the back talk,' he said.

Duterte: Allies' interests to be considered in talks with China

Unruh provides many tips on dealing with sibling rivalry, back talk, bad parental habits, and more.

Unleashing the Power of Parental Love

The Daily News was commended for "Children's Pressline Back Talk: Kids Speak, Officials Respond," a column that give children a chance to speak their mind on a community issue.

'Patriot-News' Named 2007 World's Best NIE Program

I haven't got a strong view, but if the forecast prices are accurate, and I had to have a bet, I'd rather back Talk More at odds against than lay Apple Blossom.

Horse Racing: BANKERS OR BLOWOUTS? TRADING POST

Back Talk is an example of what Saxon Bennett does best; She gives readers a fast-paced, funny novel that is delightful to read.

Back Talk

I commend BE on providing insight into mental illness with Back Talk in the April 2006 issue.

A better perspective

Now, to enhance an exchange of opinions, we plan to offer a new column called "Back Talk".

A new look. (heads up)

The endeavor sounds like daring back talk, but in fact the columnist and her sources wind up serving the industry as a gratis focus group.