uppity

Definition

Presumptuous, above oneself, self-important; arrogant, snobbish, haughty.

Etymology

From earlier uppedy, equivalent to up + -ed + -y; compare blackity, biggity, and hippity (and possibly also persnickety, pernickety). First attested around 1880 in Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris to describe Jack Sparrer (Jack Sparrow), who tattled on Br'er Rabbit (see quotations below). Compare uppish.

Example Sentences

• ""Hit wuz wunner dese yer uppity little Jack Sparrers, I speck," said the old man; "dey wuz allers bodder'n' longer udder fokes's bizness"
• "And the Yankees are very upset because so many uppity darkies have been killed recently."
• "The Association was openly committed to "restoring the historical balance of power intended by our Founders" between the nobility and the uppity commoners […]"