indelicate response
[/ˌɪndˈɛlɪkət rɪˈspɑːns/]
nounpl: indelicate responses
resposta indelicada
1. A reply or answer that is tactless, impolite, or lacking in sensitivity; a response that offends or disrespects social conventions
His indelicate response to her question about her appearance made everyone uncomfortable.
Sua resposta indelicada à pergunta dela sobre sua aparência deixou todos desconfortáveis.
2. A response that is crude, vulgar, or inappropriately direct in addressing a delicate or sensitive matter
The politician's indelicate response to questions about corruption damaged his reputation.
A resposta indelicada do político às perguntas sobre corrupção danificou sua reputação.
In Brazilian culture, where personal relationships and harmony are valued, an indelicate response is considered especially offensive as it violates the expectation of maintaining good interpersonal relations. In the USA, such responses might be viewed with less severity in informal contexts, but in professional settings they carry similar social penalties. The term reflects differing levels of formality and the importance of politeness in social hierarchies.
NYC Slang
disrespectful comeback; sassy/snippy response
Related Idioms & Phrases
to strike a raw nerve with a response
to put one's foot in one's mouth
to speak out of turn
to cross the line with a comment
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