backchat

/ˈbæktʃæt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbæktʃæt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbak-ˌchat/ (ame, mw)

backchat — noun

1. rude replies to a parent, teacher, boss, or another person who has the right to

1.名詞C1
釋義

rude replies to a parent, teacher, boss, or another person who has the right to tell you what to do.

例句

Soraya got in trouble for backchat when the coach told her to sit down.

backchat after an order or correction

The new waiter lost his job after a week of backchat to the manager.

同義詞
  • back talk

    the usual American English equivalent

  • sass

    more informal and often sounds cheeky rather than plainly rude

  • insolence

    more formal and can describe the attitude as well as the words

反義詞
  • respect

    shows obedience or politeness instead of answering rudely

  • politeness

    careful, respectful speech toward other people

文法句型

backchat to + authority figure

backchat from + child/worker/student

用法筆記

Usually refers to a younger or lower-ranking person speaking rudely to someone above them. Common with no and with give or get in everyday British English.

常見錯誤

❌The manager thanked us for our backchat.
✅The manager thanked us for our feedback.
💡backchat is disrespectful answering back, not helpful comments.

2. friendly joking conversation in which people keep teasing one another.

2.名詞C2
釋義

friendly joking conversation in which people keep teasing one another.

例句

Brian's backchat with the taxi driver had both of them laughing.

friendly teasing between speakers

At lunch, Nadia and Quinn traded backchat about each other's terrible dance moves.

同義詞
  • banter

    the closest everyday word for friendly teasing talk

  • repartee

    more literary and suggests quick, witty replies

  • teasing

    broader; it may happen without the same back-and-forth exchange

文法句型

backchat with + person

trade backchat about + topic

用法筆記

Usually describes quick back-and-forth remarks rather than a long discussion. The tone is playful, not angry or disrespectful.

常見錯誤

❌Their loud backchat on the bus almost became a fight.
✅Their playful backchat on the bus kept everyone laughing.
💡this sense is light teasing, not a serious argument.