irreverent
/ɪˈrɛv(ə)r(ə)nt
/adjective
Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously: she is irreverent about the whole business of politics...
- Just as important, they are all bright and lively people and seem to blend a boundless enthusiasm with an irreverent sense of humour.
- Although a talented reporter and a graceful writer, he lacks Brown's irreverent streak.
- Still, as Stockwell lies low until the heat's off, his irreverent sense of humour will of course be missed in cabinet.
Synonyms
disrespectful, disdainful, scornful, contemptuous, derisive, disparaging;
insolent, impudent, impertinent, cheeky, flippant, flip, insubordinate, presumptuous, forward;
rude, impolite, discourteous, uncivil, insulting, abusive
informal fresh, lippy
Derivatives
irreverential
- Yes, journalists may undermine elitism and establishment power in ways which are sometimes raucous and irreverential.
- She is especially irreverential about the occupants of the Palace, past and present.
irreverently
/ adverb ...- He was also a fanatical steeple-chaser, of whom David says irreverently: ‘He used to fall off a lot until I started training his horses.’
- ‘Blasphemy’ is speaking of god irreverently or ‘impiously’.
- Conservative critics should pay closer attention to what South Park so irreverently jeers at and mocks.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin irreverent- 'not revering', from in- 'not' + reverent- 'revering' (see reverent).