Rude or disrespectful remarks, usually delivered with attitude; also used as a verb meaning to answer back impudently.
From 'sassy' (possibly from African American Vernacular English), which may derive from 'sauce' used metaphorically for impudence. The word became widespread in American English in the 20th century.
Sass in Victorian England was literally called 'sauce'—delivering sass was described as someone 'giving you sauce,' which is why we still sometimes say 'don't get saucy with me' when someone's being disrespectful.
Sass became gendered as feminine (and often racialized) attitude in 20th-century American English, with roots in impertinence coded as a 'woman's trait' or 'sassy woman' stereotype.
Use neutrally to describe confident, witty response regardless of speaker gender. Avoid pairing with gendered descriptors like 'sassy woman' as inherent identity.
["wit","boldness","candor","sharp response"]
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.