back answer

back answer (plural back answers)

1. A sharp reply given to someone.
   • 1901, William Henley, Bus-driver:

     He’s called The General from the brazen craft

     And dash with which he sneaks a bit of road

     And all its fares; challenged, or chafed, or chaffed,

     Back-answers of the newest he’ll explode;

• retort

• answer back, answerback