Uppity

Uppity describes a person who behaves in a presumptuous, arrogant, or conceited way, often implying a perceived lack of humility or awareness of their place in a social hierarchy. It suggests someone is overstepping their bounds, displaying a sense of superiority or acting as though they deserve more recognition or deference than is warranted. The term often carries negative connotations, implying a condescending attitude or a disregard for the feelings or opinions of others. Historically, the word has been used, particularly in the context of social class or race, to describe individuals who were perceived as challenging established social norms or asserting themselves beyond their expected roles.

Uppity meaning with examples

• The shopkeeper dismissed the customer as uppity when she requested to speak with the manager about a damaged item. The shopkeeper felt that she, as a lower status member of society, had no right to complain. This was especially after she became irritated with the slow service and the quality of the merchandise.
• Despite receiving a small raise, Sarah's colleagues found her increasingly uppity, making demands and talking down to them as if she were above them. They felt it was uncalled for and unprofessional of her to act as if they were not as valuable as her.
• The butler regarded the new housemaid as uppity, refusing to carry out basic tasks and complaining about her workload. The butler considered that as a member of the same status she was being presumptuous, he said that it was not becoming.
• After winning the competition, the athlete’s post-match interview revealed an uppity attitude, bragging about their performance and dismissing the efforts of the other competitors as unworthy. Other athletes saw this as a poor reflection on her skills and training.