Backtalking: meaning, definitions and examples

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backtalking

 

[ ˈbækˌtɔːkɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

disrespectful response

Backtalking refers to the act of replying to someone, often an authority figure, in a disrespectful or insolent manner. It generally involves making smart remarks or retorts rather than addressing the situation appropriately or respectfully. This behavior is commonly observed in children or teenagers when responding to parents, teachers, or other authority figures.

Synonyms

impudence, insolence, sassy response, smart talk.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher was frustrated by the constant backtalking from her students.
  • He was punished for backtalking his parents during dinner.
  • Backtalking is not acceptable in our household.
  • She lost her privileges due to too much backtalking.

Translations

Translations of the word "backtalking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 responder desafiador

🇮🇳 बातों का जवाब देना

🇩🇪 Widerspruch

🇮🇩 membantah

🇺🇦 негативна відповідь

🇵🇱 odpowiadanie zuchwale

🇯🇵 反抗的な返答

🇫🇷 réponses insolentes

🇪🇸 respuestas desafiantes

🇹🇷 karşılık verme

🇰🇷 반항적인 대답

🇸🇦 الرد بشكل غير محترم

🇨🇿 odpor

🇸🇰 odporovanie

🇨🇳 顶嘴

🇸🇮 upor

🇮🇸 mótmæli

🇰🇿 қарсы жауап беру

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგობა

🇦🇿 qarşılıq vermək

🇲🇽 respuestas desafiantes

Etymology

The word 'backtalking' is a compound word formed from 'back,' which suggests a return or reversal, and 'talk,' indicating verbal communication. It likely emerged in American English in the late 19th to early 20th century, gaining traction in colloquial usage, particularly among parents and educators as they sought to describe a typical response from children and adolescents. The evolution of 'backtalk' reflects cultural shifts in attitudes towards authority and respect during the 20th century, with the concept growing more pronounced during the post-World War II era when youth culture began to assert itself more visibly. The phenomenon of backtalking is often linked to broader themes of rebellion and independence in the adolescent experience, making it not only a linguistic expression but also a cultural reflection.