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Meaning & use

talking back

phrase·Everydayinformal

Last updated

UK/ˌtɔːkɪŋ ˈbæk/
US/ˌtɔːkɪŋ ˈbæk/

“talking back” is a form of “talk back”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. phrasephrasal verbdisapproving

    Answering someone in authority, such as a parent or teacher, in a rude or disrespectful way.

    Grammar: No object; the person you are talking back to follows to: talking back to the teacher.

    Patterns

    • talk back to someone
    • be caught talking back

    The boy was sent to his room for talking back to his father.

    Talking back to the coach cost her a place in the team.

    Her mother warned her that talking back would not be tolerated.

  2. phrasephrasal verbtechnical

    Replying by speaking or sending a message in response, especially through a device such as a radio or screen.

    Grammar: Neutral and often technical; no rudeness is implied.

    Patterns

    • talk back to someone
    • talk back to the audience

    The radio lets pilots talk back to the tower instantly.

    The new speaker is talking back to users with spoken answers.

    Viewers enjoy talking back to the screen during a game.

Common combinations

stop talking back
Stop talking back and listen.
caught talking back
He was caught talking back to the teacher.
talking back to parents
Talking back to parents can lead to losing screen time.
talking back to authority
Talking back to authority was unthinkable in his day.
constantly talking back
She was constantly talking back and testing limits.

Synonyms and how they differ

answering back
Answering back is the British equivalent and has the same meaning of replying rudely.
sassing
Sassing is American and informal, and it is used mostly for children or teens with a cheeky tone.
backchat
Backchat is a British noun for cheeky replies, whereas talking back names the act itself.
retorting
Retorting means giving a quick sharp reply and is not limited to rude answers to those in authority.

Opposites

obeyingstaying quiet

Word family

talk verb
to speak
back talk noun
rude replies to someone in authority
talker noun
a person who talks
talkback noun
a radio or TV system for communication or call-in shows

Commonly confused: talking back or talk back?

talking back vs talk back

Written as two words, talk back is the verb phrase; talkback as one word is a noun for a communication system.

Practice

The principal said that ______ to teachers would result in detention.

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