How to pronounce backtalk
Say it like BAK-tawk. Backtalk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈbæktɔk/BAK-tawk
UK British/ˈbæktɔːk/BAK-tawk
- BAK
- tawk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backtalk pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tawkKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of backtalk
American and British speakers say backtalk in essentially the same way: /ˈbæktɔk/ in the US and /ˈbæktɔːk/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-tawk.
What does backtalk mean?
noun
- Verbal impudence or argumentative discourse, given in response.“Don't give me any backtalk; just go clean your room.”
- To respond to in an aggressively disputatious, often sarcastic or insolent manner.“Peter was sent to detention for backtalking the teacher.”
Where does backtalk come from?
From back + talk.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying backtalk
How do you pronounce backtalk?
Say BAK-tawk. The American pronunciation is /ˈbæktɔk/. In British English it is /ˈbæktɔːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backtalk?
Backtalk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · tawk.
Do Americans and Brits say backtalk the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbæktɔk/ and the British form is /ˈbæktɔːk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.