From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishinsolentin‧so‧lent /ˈɪnsələnt/ adjective RUDE/IMPOLITErude and not showing any respect → cheeky an insolent tone of voice You insolent child!► see thesaurus at rude —insolently adverb —insolence noun [uncountable]
Examples from the Corpus
insolent• Although she didn't actually say anything offensive, her expression was sulky, insolent, and hostile.• The band is known for their insolent attitude.• Joe was disciplined for being insolent toward the teacher.Origin insolent (1300-1400) Latin insolens “unusual, proud”, from solere “to be used to something” 