answerback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (general usage); Technical (computing).Informal (when referring to rude reply); Formal/Technical (computing/telecoms).
Quick answer
What does “answerback” mean?
The action of replying, especially in a rude, sharp, or defensive manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of replying, especially in a rude, sharp, or defensive manner.
In computing/telecommunications, a signal or message sent by a device to confirm receipt of a command or to identify itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a term for a rude reply, 'answer back' (verb phrase) is more common in UK English. The noun 'answerback' is technical and used similarly in both varieties. The concept of a child 'answering back' to a parent/teacher is strongly associated with UK usage.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with disapproval of children's insolence. US: Less commonly used for rude replies; 'talk back' is more frequent. Technical: Neutral in both.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English for the interpersonal meaning. In technical contexts, frequency is equal but low.
Grammar
How to Use “answerback” in a Sentence
NOUN: The modem sent an answerback.VERB PHRASE (answer back): The child dared to answer back.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “answerback” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pupil was disciplined for answering back to the teacher.
- It's disrespectful to answer back to your elders.
American English
- He's in trouble for talking back. (Note: 'answer back' less common)
- The device is programmed to answer back with its serial number.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use for 'answerback'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use for 'answerback'.)
adjective
British English
- An answerback signal was expected.
- They have an answerback protocol.
American English
- The answerback code is encrypted.
- Check the answerback function.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT reports: 'The system's answerback confirmed the connection.'
Academic
Very rare in humanities; possible in computer science or engineering papers.
Everyday
Informal UK: 'I won't tolerate any answerback!' (meaning insolence). Almost unused in US everyday speech.
Technical
Primary context: telecommunications and computer networking for device identification/handshaking.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “answerback”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “answerback”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “answerback”
- Using 'answerback' as a common noun for any reply (it's specific).
- Confusing 'answer back' (verb phrase) with the noun 'answerback'.
- Assuming it is a high-frequency word in American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun (especially technical), it is one word: 'answerback'. As a verb meaning to reply rudely, it is usually two words: 'answer back'.
'Answer back' is more common in UK English. 'Talk back' is the predominant equivalent in US English. Both mean to reply defiantly.
Only in its technical sense (computing/telecoms). For the meaning of a rude reply, it is informal and often considered colloquial.
No, the technical term is neutral, simply referring to an automated response signal from a machine. The connotation of rudeness applies only to human interaction.
The action of replying, especially in a rude, sharp, or defensive manner.
Answerback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːnsəbak/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænsərˌbæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't you dare answer back!”
- “The answerback code identified the terminal.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a computer ANSWERing BACK to say 'I'm here!' or a child ANSWERing BACK to a parent (a BACK-and-forth argument).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A DUEL (for rude reply); A MACHINE IS A PERSON (for technical reply).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'answerback' most commonly used as a standard technical term?