sassin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "sassin’" means talking back, being mouthy, or showing disrespect. It’s the act of giving sass, usually to a parent, elder, or teacher.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

Granny snapped, "Don’t you go sassin’ me, young man."

Pronunciation

[SASS-in]

Meaning & Usage

- To talk back or be disrespectful (verb: informal)

Mae:

Why’s he in trouble?

Earl:

Been sassin’ the teacher again.

- Disrespectful or cheeky speech (noun: "sass")

Mae:

What’d he say?

Earl:

Nothin’ but sass - I told him to hush.

other spellings: sassing

★ In the South and Appalachia, "sassin’" was one of the fastest ways for kids to get threatened with a spanking. It’s often remembered with phrases like "I’ll mash your mouth" or "I’ll tan your hide." ★

Origin

From the noun "sass," a clipped form of "saucy" or "insolent talk," dating back to the 1800s. In Southern/Appalachian dialect, it took on special strength as "sassin’" - the act of backtalk.

Notes

Still common in Southern and Appalachian families. Outside the region, "sass" is often playful (like spunk or boldness), but in the South, "sassin’" is squarely negative - tied to disobedience and backtalk.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "sass-in." The "g" is dropped: "sassin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "sassin’" the same as being sassy?

Not exactly - "sassy" can sometimes be playful, but "sassin’" is almost always negative: backtalk or disrespect.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - especially in Southern families, though younger generations may also use it jokingly.

What happens if you’re caught "sassin’"?

Traditionally, it could earn you a scolding, a whoopin’, or a warning like "I’ll mash your mouth."