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back talk

noun

Definition of back talk

: impudent, insolent, or argumentative replies
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about back talk

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Examples of back talk in a Sentence

Don't give me any back talk! his mother sent him to his room because of his constant back talk

Recent Examples on the Web

 And the Roborock won’t give you any sassy back talk like Rosie. — Ann Lien, House Beautiful, "This Hybrid Robot Handles Two Chores At Once," 24 June 2019 After a week off, Gov. Ned Lamont is back talking about tolls, this time convening a meeting at the state Capitol to continue discussions ahead of a potential tolls vote this summer. — Russell Blair, courant.com, "Capitol Week in Review: Gov. Ned Lamont offers a tax cut for tolls, Nancy Pelosi comes to Hartford," 21 June 2019 His message is always the same: No fouls, no bad conduct, and whatever happens, no back talk to the referees. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "Uruguay: Soccer’s Dead Poets Society," 29 June 2018 It will be broken down into two back-to-back talks, one with drama writers, and another with comedy writers. — refinery29.com, ""Shame On You." Celebs & Writers React To 90% Male Hollywood Panel," 6 June 2018 In back-to-back talks, Lundin made the case for FODMAPs, and Alaedini for an immune reaction. — Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "What’s really behind ‘gluten sensitivity’?," 23 May 2018 Barbish reacted with hostility to her sudden back talk. — Michael Lapointe, The Atlantic, "The Twisted Tale of the World’s Largest Pearl," 11 May 2018 The fallout from Hector Bellerin's criticism of ArsenalFanTV shows no signs of ending after 'leaked' audio of the full-back talking disparagingly about the club appeared online. — SI.com, "Arsenal Fans React to Allegedly 'Leaked' Hector Bellerin Audio Clip Amid AFTV Fallout," 20 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'back talk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of back talk

1832, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for back talk

back talk

noun

English Language Learners Definition of back talk

US, informal : rude speech in reply to someone who should be spoken to with respect

See the full definition for back talk in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on back talk

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with back talk

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for back talk

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