Talk back
verb
To reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone, especially by someone of authority.
The teacher got upset when the student talked back to her.
Often appears as...
- don't talk back
- talk back to someone
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To give a feedback or response, especially by a machine or device.
The software talks back with a beep when the task is done.
Often appears as...
- device talks back
- talk back feature
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To discuss a situation with someone to find out what they think or to get their approval.
We'll talk back with our team and get back to you on the proposal.
Often appears as...
- talk back with the team
- talked back and agreed
Usage tips
Business
verb
To reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone, especially by someone of authority.
The teacher got upset when the student talked back to her.
Often appears as...
- don't talk back
- talk back to someone
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To give a feedback or response, especially by a machine or device.
The software talks back with a beep when the task is done.
Often appears as...
- device talks back
- talk back feature
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To discuss a situation with someone to find out what they think or to get their approval.
We'll talk back with our team and get back to you on the proposal.
Often appears as...
- talk back with the team
- talked back and agreed
Usage tips
Business
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Authority Reaction
Often triggers a negative response from someone in charge due to perceived disrespect.
He was grounded for talking back to his parents.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Perception
In some cultures, talking back is especially frowned upon and seen as insubordination.
In her culture, talking back to elders is unacceptable.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formality
Inappropriate in formal settings, can be seen as unprofessional or rude.
He regretted talking back to his boss during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Authority Reaction
Often triggers a negative response from someone in charge due to perceived disrespect.
He was grounded for talking back to his parents.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Perception
In some cultures, talking back is especially frowned upon and seen as insubordination.
In her culture, talking back to elders is unacceptable.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formality
Inappropriate in formal settings, can be seen as unprofessional or rude.
He regretted talking back to his boss during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Authority Reaction
Often triggers a negative response from someone in charge due to perceived disrespect.
He was grounded for talking back to his parents.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Perception
In some cultures, talking back is especially frowned upon and seen as insubordination.
In her culture, talking back to elders is unacceptable.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formality
Inappropriate in formal settings, can be seen as unprofessional or rude.
He regretted talking back to his boss during the meeting.
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