In Appalachian and Southern speech, "sassin’" (usually written "sassing") means talking back, being mouthy, or showing disrespect. It’s the act of giving sass, usually to a parent, elder, or teacher.
Granny snapped, "Don’t you go sassin’ me, young man."
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)
At school
Mae:
Why’s he in trouble?
Earl:
Been sassin’ the teacher again.
- Disrespectful or cheeky speech (noun: "sass")
At home
Mae:
What’d he say?
Earl:
Nothin’ but sass - I told him to hush.
variations: 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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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’."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Granny snapped, "Don’t you go sassin’ me, young man."