► rude not following the rules of good social behaviour or treating other people with a lack of respect: · It’s rude to interrupt.· He’s the rudest man I’ve ever met.· rude remarks about her stomach
► impolite/not polite not following the rules of good social behaviour. Impolite sounds rather formal: · It is impolite to stare.· It’s not polite to talk with your mouth full of food.
► cheeky British English, smart/sassy American English behaving in a way that is a little rude, especially when this is amusing or annoying – used especially about children: · a cheeky grin· Let go, you cheeky monkey (=cheeky child)!· Don’t get smart with me!
► tactless saying things that are likely to upset or embarrass someone, without intending to: · a tactless remark· How could you be so tactless?
► offensive speaking or behaving in a way that is likely to upset or offend someone: · His remarks are offensive to African-Americans.· offensive language
► insulting speaking or behaving in a way that is very rude and offensive to someone: · comments that are insulting to women· The article was full of insulting language.
► discourteous formal rather rude. Discourteous sounds very formal and is often used when talking about being careful not to upset someone’s feelings: · He did not wish to appear discourteous towards his host.· It would seem discourteous to refuse her offer.
► ill-mannered (also bad-mannered) especially written behaving in a rude way, especially because you have never been taught how to behave politely: · Ill-mannered movie-goers talked throughout the entire picture.· It was very bad-mannered.
► disrespectful not showing the proper respect for someone or something: · I felt her comments were disrespectful to all the people who have worked so hard on this project.
► impertinent formal not showing a proper respect for someone, especially by asking or talking about subjects that you do not have a right to know about: · an impertinent question about his private life· an impertinent young man· Would it be impertinent to ask how old you are?
► insolent formal behaving in a way that is deliberately very rude to someone in authority: · The girl’s only response was an insolent stare.· Don’t be so insolent!
► impudent formal rude, and having no respect for people who are older or more important: · The boy gave an impudent smile.
► irreverent showing a lack of respect for someone or something who people are supposed to respect – used especially about comedy programmes and newspaper articles: · an irreverent look at the week’s events· his irreverent sense of humour