impertinence

Everyday

1. Rude behaviour or words that show no respect, especially to an older person or someone in charge; cheek. tree →
2. (an impertinence) A rude remark or act. tree →

In the lessons

In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland the creatures and royalty are offended by Alice's impertinence, though she is usually just honest. In old school stories teachers punished impertinence. Today we often say «cheek» or «rudeness». Phrases: «the impertinence of it!», «What impertinence!»

Examples

• «What impertinence!» cried the Duchess. tree →
• The pupil was punished for his impertinence. tree →
• She had the impertinence to read my diary. tree →
• The Caterpillar's questions felt like an impertinence to Alice. tree →
• I'll have no impertinence from you, young man! tree →
• His impertinence shocked the old lady. tree →
• “It is an impertinence,” he cried, “to boast at this table that you killed my father.” tree →

Note

Noun from «impertinent». Mostly uncountable. Close: cheek (UK, informal), insolence (formal).