insolent

comparative more insolent · superlative most insolent

1. Insulting in manner or words, particularly in an arrogant or insubordinate manner.

   Near-synonyms: arrogant, bold, cocky; see also Thesaurus:cheeky

   Synonyms: impudent, arrogant, bold, cocky, audacious, bold, get wise, bold-faced

2. Rude.

   insolent child

   4 more examples

   Near-synonyms: insubordinate, offensive; see also Thesaurus:arrogant

   insolent behaviour

   insolent remark

   “I don't mean all of your friends—only a small proportion—which, however, connects your circle with that deadly, idle, brainless bunch—the insolent chatterers at the opera, the gorged dowagers,[…]the chlorotic squatters on huge yachts, the speed-mad fugitives from the furies of ennui, the neurotic victims of mental cirrhosus,[…]!”

   1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, chapter VI, in The Younger Set, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC

   Synonyms: disrespectful, impertinent, smart, insubordinate, offensive, airy, arrogant, chesty

plural insolents

1. A person who is insolent.

   What a way do you put yourself in miss! said the insolent.

   1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter LXXVIII”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; [a]nd sold by John Osborn, […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   Diogenes Laertius reports that Diogenes was apt to take the identification with the dog at face value, as when he lifted his leg and relieved himself on a group of young insolents who teased him with a dog's bone […]

   2010, Louisa Shea, The Cynic Enlightenment: Diogenes in the Salon, page 7