Impertinence

/ɪmˈpɝtənəns/ noun

Definition

Rude or disrespectful behavior, especially when someone acts too familiar or doesn't show proper respect to someone in authority.

Etymology

From Latin 'impertinens' meaning 'not belonging' or 'irrelevant.' The prefix 'im-' means 'not' and 'pertinens' means 'appropriate' or 'fitting.'

Kelly Says

Originally 'impertinent' just meant 'irrelevant,' but people started using it to describe rude comments that were inappropriately inserted into conversations—and that meaning stuck permanently!

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