sass
UK[sæs]US[sæs]
n
Impudent or disrespectful backtalk.
v
To talk to someone in an impudent or disrespectful manner.
Etymology
The journey of 'sass' begins with the Latin adjective 'salsus', meaning 'salted'. This evolved into the figurative sense of 'piquant' or 'witty' in speech. In English, 'saucy' emerged from this Latin root via Old French, carrying meanings of impertinence and bold humor. 'Sassy' developed as an American English alteration of 'saucy' in the 19th century, and from this adjective, the noun and verb 'sass' were back-formed, specifically capturing the notion of impudent, sharp-tongued talk.
Analysis
The word 'sass' is a simplex form. It is a back-formation from the noun 'sassy', which is an alteration of 'saucy'. Its ultimate origin is the Latin word 'salsus', meaning 'salted'.
Examples
Don't give me any of your sass.
The child was punished for sassing the teacher.
Her quick sass was both annoying and amusing.