Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

back-talk

noun

/ˈbæk tɔk/

Definition

A rude or disrespectful reply, especially to someone in authority.

Examples

When she asked him to clean his room, his back-talk made it clear he wasn’t going to comply.
The teacher warned the students that back-talk would not be tolerated in her classroom.

Meaning

Back-talk refers to speaking in a sarcastic or impudent manner, often when responding to a parent, teacher, or another authority figure. It typically implies disobedience or a challenge to authority.