Etymology Journal ยท D
Don't give me any lip
Meaning
- Do not talk back or be disrespectful. This is a classic line parents use when a child starts arguing or responding with sass.
Authoritative, firm
Used in a sentence
- Go clean your room right now, and do not give me any lip.
- I do not want to hear excuses, so do not give me any lip.
- The boss told the intern not to give him any lip during the presentation.
The backstory
Lip has been slang for insolent or impudent speech since the 19th century. Giving someone lip means you are talking too much or being rude.
Heard in
Nationwide
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