answer back
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To reply rudely or defiantly, especially to someone in authority.
To respond in a cheeky, impertinent, or argumentative manner to criticism, instructions, or commands.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase carries a strong connotation of insubordination or lack of respect. It is primarily used to describe a child's behaviour towards a parent or teacher, or an employee's behaviour towards a superior. It implies the reply is unwarranted or disrespectful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the phrasal verb identically, though the noun form 'backchat' is more common in British English.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotation of rudeness and defiance.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJECT] answers back[SUBJECT] answers back to [AUTHORITY FIGURE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't give me any backchat (BrE)”
- “Don't you backtalk me (AmE)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Strongly discouraged; seen as unprofessional insubordination. 'Employees were warned not to answer back during the disciplinary review.'
Academic
Used descriptively in pedagogical or psychological texts about child development and classroom management.
Everyday
Common in parenting, teaching, and any situation involving authority and defiance.
Technical
Rarely used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You mustn't answer back when your grandmother is telling you off.
- He got detention for answering back to the headmaster.
American English
- She's grounded for answering back to her mom.
- Don't you dare answer back to the police officer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It's not good to answer back to your teacher.
- My son is at the age where he answers back to everything I say.
- If you answer back, you'll lose your TV privileges.
- She answered back that it wasn't her fault, which only made her manager angrier.
- The coach won't tolerate any player who answers back during a game.
- His tendency to answer back to authority figures has caused him significant problems in his career.
- Despite the sergeant's direct order, the private couldn't resist answering back, earning himself extra duties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher telling a pupil off, and the pupil's voice comes BACK at them as an impertinent ANSWER.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS WAR (replying with a verbal counter-attack).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'отвечать назад' as a direct translation – it is a calque and incorrect. Use 'огрызаться' or 'пререкаться' for the defiant meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it to mean simply 'reply' (e.g., 'I'll answer back your email later').
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is someone most likely 'answering back'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively negative, implying rudeness or defiance. For a neutral 'reply', use 'reply', 'respond', or 'get back to'.
They are near-synonyms and often interchangeable. 'Talk back' is slightly more common in American English, while both are used in British English.
It is informal. In a formal report, you might use 'was insubordinate', 'was impertinent', or 'responded defiantly'.
It can be used intransitively ('Don't answer back!') or followed by 'to + person' ('She answered back to her boss'). You cannot directly put a person or thing as the object (e.g., NOT 'He answered back his mother').