How to pronounce uppity
Say it like UHP-uh-tee. Uppity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce uppity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHP
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Uppity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of uppity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: UHP-uh-tee.
What does uppity mean?
- Presumptuous, above oneself, self-important; arrogant, snobbish, haughty.
- Exceeding one's station or position, assuming prerogatives to which one is not entitled.
Where does uppity come from?
From earlier uppedy, equivalent to up + -ed + -y; compare blackity, biggity, and hippity (and possibly also persnickety, pernickety).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying uppity
How do you pronounce uppity?
Say UHP-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌpəti/. In British English it is /ˈʌpəti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in uppity?
Uppity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP). Broken into parts: UHP · uh · tee.
Is uppity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈʌpəti/ (UHP-uh-tee).