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Definition 2024


uppity

uppity

English

Adjective

uppity (comparative uppitier, superlative uppitiest)

  1. Presumptuous, above oneself, self-important; arrogant, snobbish, haughty.
  2. Exceeding one's station or position (see usage note below for one example), assuming prerogatives to which one is not entitled.
    • 1993, David Weber, On Basilisk Station (Sci-Fi), Paperback edition, ISBN 0671721631, page 141:
      The Association was openly committed to "restoring the historical balance of power intended by our Founders" between the nobility and the uppity commoners []

Usage notes

  • Be careful about using this in interracial situations: White Americans have used this to describe black people whom they considered not submissive and subservient enough.

Translations