uppity

The term uppity is an adjective used to describe someone perceived as arrogant, self-important, or presumptuous—specifically someone acting above their designated social station. It originated in the American South during the late 19th century, derived from the word "up," effectively meaning "acting up" or trying to rise higher than one's established class or rank.

Perspectives on the term vary significantly based on geography and historical awareness. In some contexts, particularly outside the United States, speakers may use it simply as a synonym for "snobbish" or "stuck-up" without realizing any specific bias. However, in the United States, the word carries heavy historical baggage from the Jim Crow era, where it was frequently followed by a racial slur to describe Black people who did not show deference to whites. Because of this history, many view the term as a racially coded dog whistle—particularly when applied to Black individuals—as it implies the target is forgetting their "place" in a social hierarchy.

Example:
"The politician came under fire for calling his opponent uppity, a choice of words that critics argued was racially charged."

Example:
"My grandmother always complained that the neighbors were getting uppity just because they bought a new car."