English

Adjective

uppity ‎(comparative uppitier, superlative uppitiest)

1. Presumptuous, above oneself, self-important; arrogant, snobbish, haughty.
2. Exceeding one's station or position (see usage note below for one example), assuming prerogatives to which one is not entitled.

   • 1993, David Weber, On Basilisk Station (Sci-Fi), Paperback edition, ISBN 0671721631, page 141:

     The Association was openly committed to "restoring the historical balance of power intended by our Founders" between the nobility and the uppity commoners […]

Usage notes

• Be careful about using this in interracial situations: White Americans have used this to describe black people whom they considered not submissive and subservient enough.

Translations