Crossword puzzles are a fun way to keep your brain sharp. Sometimes, they give us clues that feel a bit hard. One of those clues is irreverent impertinent crossword. These are big words. They describe a specific kind of behavior. When you see them in a puzzle, you need a word that means someone is being rude or cheeky.
In this guide, we will look at every possible answer. We will talk about why these words are used. We will also help you understand how to pick the right one for your specific puzzle. This article is built to give you the most help possible so you can finish your game today.
Solving the 13 Letter Mystery
If you are looking for a long word, you are likely looking for DISRESPECTFUL. This is the biggest and most common answer for this clue. It fits perfectly because it combines the meaning of both words in the clue.
When someone is irreverent, they do not show respect to things that are usually seen as important. When someone is impertinent, they are being rude to people they should listen to. DISRESPECTFUL is the word that covers both of those ideas in 13 letters.
Why this answer works
Crossword creators love this word because it is clear. It has common letters like E, S, and T. These letters are easy to use when making other words cross over it. If you have a 13-letter gap, try this word first.
Understanding the Irreverent Impertinent Crossword
To be a great crossword solver, you need to know what the words really mean. Let’s look at “irreverent” and “impertinent” very closely.
The Meaning of Irreverent
Being irreverent means you are not being serious about serious things. Think about a person who tells a joke at a very quiet ceremony. They are not being mean, but they are not being respectful either. In a crossword, this word often leads to answers about humor or lack of faith.
The Meaning of Impertinent
Being impertinent is a bit different. It usually means a person is being “fresh” or talking back. It is about a person who does not know their place. For example, if a small child tells a teacher what to do, that child is being impertinent.
List of Small Answers (3 to 4 Letters)
Sometimes you only have a few boxes to fill. Short words are common in corner spots of a crossword.
- FLIP: This is short for flippant. It means you are treating something serious like it is a joke.
- PERT: This is an old-fashioned word. It describes someone who is bold and a bit cheeky.
- RUDE: This is the most basic answer. If someone is impertinent, they are definitely being rude.
- BAD: Sometimes puzzles use very simple words for younger players.
Tips for 4-Letter Clues
When you see a 4-letter gap, look at the other words around it. If the word ends in a “T,” it is likely PERT. If it ends in a “P,” it is likely FLIP.
List of Medium Answers (5 to 6 Letters)
Medium words are the “bones” of most crossword puzzles. You will see these very often in the NYT Crossword or the LA Times.
- SASSY: This word is often used for characters in movies who talk back with a smile.
- SAUCY: This is a bit like sassy. It means someone is being a bit too bold.
- BRASH: This is for someone who is loud and does not care what others think.
- FRESH: If you talk back to your parents, they might say, “Don’t get fresh with me!”
- CHEEKY: This is a very popular word in the UK. It means someone is being funny but a bit rude.
- BRAZEN: This is a strong word. It means someone is being rude and they are proud of it.
- SNIPPY: This describes someone who is giving short, rude answers.
List of Large Answers (7 to 10 Letters)
If you have a big gap, you need a word with more weight. These words show up in harder puzzles.
- IMPUDENT: This is a very high-level word for being impertinent.
- INSOLENT: This is a serious word for someone who is being very disrespectful.
- FLIPPANT: This is the full version of the word “flip.”
- MOCKING: This means making fun of someone in a mean way.
- DEFIANT: This is for someone who is being rude because they are fighting against a rule.
How Different Puzzles Use This Clue
Not all crosswords are the same. Some are easy, and some are very hard. Knowing which one you are playing can help you find the answer.
The New York Times (NYT) Style
The NYT likes words that are smart. They might use IMPUDENT or INSOLENT. They want you to think hard. If you are doing an NYT puzzle on a Saturday, expect a very hard word.
The LA Times Style
The LA Times is usually a bit more modern. They might use words like SASSY or BRASH. They like words that people use in real life today.
British Crosswords (The Guardian)
If you are doing a puzzle from the UK, the answer is almost always CHEEKY. It is a very common word there. They also use SAUCY more than American puzzles do.
How to Tell the Answers Apart
If you have two words that could fit, how do you choose? You have to look at the “flavor” of the clue.
- If the clue is about a child: The answer is likely SASSY, PERT, or FRESH.
- If the clue is about a joke: The answer is likely FLIP or FLIPPANT.
- If the clue is about a crime or a big lie: The answer is likely BRAZEN.
- If the clue is about a lack of religion: The answer is likely PROFANE or IRRELIGIOUS.
Common Letters to Look For
When you are stuck, look for these common letters in the middle of your boxes:
- The letter S: Many of these words have an S, like DISRESPECTFUL, SASSY, and INSOLENT.
- The letter Y: Many short and medium answers end in Y, like SASSY, SAUCY, or CHEEKY.
- The letter T: Words like IMPUDENT, PERT, and FLIPPANT all end in T.

Why Do Crosswords Use “Irreverent” So Much?
You might notice that “irreverent” and “impertinent” show up a lot. There is a reason for this. Crossword makers have a hard job. They have to fit words together like a big puzzle.
Words like SASSY are very easy to use. They have a vowel (A), then two of the same letter (SS), then a common ending (Y). This makes it easy for the maker to put other words around it. When a word is easy for the maker to use, it shows up more for the player to solve.

Learning the “Crosswordese”
Some words only seem to exist in crossword puzzles. We call this “crosswordese.” PERT is a great example. You might not hear people say “pert” at the grocery store, but you will see it in a puzzle at least once a month.
When you learn these special words, you become a faster solver. You stop looking at the clue and start looking at the boxes. You see a 4-letter word for “rude” and you immediately think PERT or FLIP.
Detailed Table of Answers
| Letters | Possible Answers | Most Common Use |
| 4 | FLIP, PERT, RUDE | Easy or Quick Puzzles |
| 5 | SASSY, SAUCY, BRASH | Modern Puzzles |
| 6 | CHEEKY, BRAZEN | British or Harder Puzzles |
| 8 | IMPUDENT, INSOLENT | Expert Puzzles |
| 11 | IMPERTINENT | When the clue is “Irreverent” |
| 13 | DISRESPECTFUL | Sunday Puzzles (Big Grids) |
Final Tips for Success
Don’t be afraid to use a pencil! Crosswords are about trying things out. If you think the answer is SASSY, write it in lightly. If the words that cross it don’t make sense, erase it and try SAUCY.
Also, remember that the clue can be a synonym for the answer. “Irreverent” is a synonym for “impertinent.” This is why the answer is often just another word that means the same thing, like RUDE. Checking the “flavor” of the clue—whether it sounds playful or serious—will help you choose the right synonym.

Final Thoughts on the Irreverent Impertinent Crossword Clue
Finding the right word for an irreverent impertinent crossword doesn’t have to be a struggle. Whether you are filling in PERT for a quick Monday puzzle or tackling the 13-letter DISRESPECTFUL in a Sunday grid, understanding the “rudeness” theme is the key to success.
Next time you see a clue about being “fresh” or “cheeky,” remember to look at your crossing letters first. Most puzzles use these words because they have common letters that help you build the rest of your grid. Keep practicing, and soon these “crosswordese” terms will become second nature to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for the irreverent impertinent crossword clue?
The most frequent answer for this specific clue is DISRESPECTFUL. This 13-letter word is often used because it perfectly combines the lack of veneration implied by “irreverent” with the rudeness associated with “impertinent.”
How many letters is the answer for an irreverent crossword clue?
Answers vary based on the size of the puzzle grid. Common lengths include 4 letters like FLIP or PERT, 5 letters like SASSY or SAUCY, 6 letters like CHEEKY, and 13 letters like DISRESPECTFUL.
What is the difference between irreverent and impertinent in puzzle clues?
In the world of crosswords, “irreverent” usually refers to a lack of respect for serious or sacred things. “Impertinent” usually refers to a person being rude or talking back. When used together, the puzzle is looking for a general synonym for rudeness.
Which crossword puzzles use the irreverent impertinent clue most often?
This clue appears frequently in major newspapers. You will find it in the New York Times (NYT), Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and the LA Times. It is a favorite for people who build puzzles because the answers contain very common, “friendly” letters.
What are some rare or hard answers for an irreverent crossword clue?
If you are doing a difficult puzzle, you might see rare words. These include AWELESS, CONTUMELIOUS, or MALAPERT. These are old-fashioned words that mean the same thing as being rude or disrespectful.
Disclaimer: The information in “Ultimate Irreverent Impertinent Crossword Clue Answers” is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we aim for total accuracy, crossword answers often change based on the specific puzzle date or publisher. We are not officially linked to the NYT, LA Times, or any crossword brand. Using these hints may spoil the challenge of the game, so use them at your own risk to help finish your daily grid.
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I’m Emma Rose, the founder of tryhardguides.co.uk, and a content creator with a passion for writing across multiple niches—including health, lifestyle, tech, career, and personal development. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, easy-to-digest content that helps people learn, grow, and stay inspired. Whether I’m sharing practical tips or diving into thought-provoking topics, my goal is always to add real value and connect with readers on a deeper level.
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