Uppity: meaning, definitions and examples

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uppity

 

[ ˈʌpɪti ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

disrespectful behavior

behaving as if you are more important than you really are, especially towards people who are older or have a higher social status

Synonyms

arrogant, condescending, haughty, presumptuous.

Examples of usage

  • She found his attitude towards her staff uppity and offensive.
  • Don't get uppity with me, young man!
Context #2 | Adjective

historical context

originally used in the Southern United States to describe African Americans who were perceived as not knowing their place in society

Synonyms

disrespectful, impudent, insolent, presumptuous.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being uppity for speaking out against the unfair treatment of his community.
  • The term 'uppity' was often used by white people to keep African Americans in a subordinate position.

Translations

Translations of the word "uppity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrogante

🇮🇳 घमंडी

🇩🇪 hochnäsig

🇮🇩 sombong

🇺🇦 зарозумілий

🇵🇱 zarozumiały

🇯🇵 高慢な (こうまんな)

🇫🇷 arrogant

🇪🇸 arrogante

🇹🇷 kendini beğenmiş

🇰🇷 거만한

🇸🇦 متغطرس

🇨🇿 nafoukaný

🇸🇰 namyslený

🇨🇳 自大的 (zìdà de)

🇸🇮 vzvišen

🇮🇸 drambsöm

🇰🇿 менменсінген

🇬🇪 გაბრაზებული

🇦🇿 təkəbbürlü

🇲🇽 arrogante

Etymology

The word 'uppity' originated in the Southern United States in the early 19th century. It was used primarily by white people to describe African Americans who were seen as not knowing their place in society. The term carried connotations of arrogance and disrespect towards authority. Over time, 'uppity' has evolved to describe anyone who behaves in a presumptuous or arrogant manner, especially towards those of higher social status. The word has a complex history tied to issues of race, power, and social hierarchy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,560, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.