1 B1 informal
To reply rudely or insolently to someone in authority.
"She was sent to the headmaster's office for talking back to her teacher during the lesson."
inseparable
talk back
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To respond rudely or disrespectfully to someone in authority, such as a parent or teacher.
In plain English
To say something rude or argumentative to someone who is in charge of you, like a parent or teacher.
What does "talk back" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Almost exclusively used in the context of a child or young person responding disrespectfully to an adult or authority figure. The American English equivalent of British 'answer back.' Often used in the negative command: 'Don't you dare talk back to me!'
Words that pair with "talk back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
parent teacher boss authority elder
How to conjugate "talk back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
talk back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks back
he/she/it
Past simple
talked back
yesterday
Past participle
talked back
have + pp
-ing form
talking back
continuous
Hear "talk back" in the wild
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Other ways to say "talk back"
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