uppity

adj

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.

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

   “"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”

2. Exceeding one's station or position, assuming prerogatives to which one is not entitled.

   “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 […]”