Words / C2

i-REV-uh-r-uh-nt/ɪˈrevərənt/

Irreverent means showing too little respect for something usually treated as serious: irreverent humour, irreverent about tradition. Cheeky is everyday and lighter; reverent is the opposite. Hallowed (already in the dictionary) is the sacred thing often being needled. Do not hide a consent breach behind “irreverent culture”.

Meaning

Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are usually taken seriously.

Examples

• “Irreverent jokes about consent are still a breach.”
• “Cheeky is everyday. Reverent is respectful. Hallowed ground (already in C2) is what irreverence needles. A joke about biscuits can be irreverent and harmless. A joke about a named patient is a breach.”

Good to know

Cheekily disrespectful. Everyday: cheeky. Opposite: reverent. Mix-up: irrelevant. Tone does not license a consent failure.

Near in meaning

cheeky

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