sass

Everyday

1. (informal, mainly US) Cheeky, rude talk, especially to a parent or teacher; back talk. tree →
2. (verb, informal) To talk back cheekily to someone. tree →
3. (informal, praise) Bold, lively confidence and style: «she's got sass». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday family life an adult may say «Don't give me any sass!» when a child answers back. In stories it shows a cheeky, confident character. In the UK people more often say «cheek» or «lip». Phrases: «give someone sass», «don't sass me», «full of sass».

Examples

• «Don't sass your mother,» said Dad. tree →
• That's enough sass, young lady. tree →
• The puppy has a lot of sass for such a tiny dog. tree →
• He sassed the teacher and got a detention. tree →
• The singer performed with style and sass. tree →
• I didn't mean to give you sass. tree →

Note

Informal, mostly American. Adjective: «sassy». UK equivalent: «cheek» («don't give me cheek»). Being sassy can be fun, but sassing adults can be seen as rude.