Do we really need three words for this?
I looked up insolent in my American Heritage dictionary and found out that it means impertinent. Then I looked up impertinent and found out that it means insolent. Finally, I looked up impudent and found out that it means insolent or impertinent. So, do we really need three words in English that sound almost identical and mean the same thing? The answer is: Of course we do! While all three words describe a person who is bold or rude, each has a unique place in the language. Study the simple rules below and you will soon become a master of these handy adjectives.
Insolent is reserved for teachers sending a note home from school. “Samantha’s insolent behavior in the classroom today was a serious breech of school etiquette.” Samantha is in fact a spoiled little shit, but the teacher can’t say this. Calling her insolent is a teacher’s way of letting you know how she really feels about your rotten kid.
Impertinent is used almost exclusively in medieval romance novels. “My lady, your impertinent demeanor does little to distract me from your pert breasts which are heaving delightfully even as we speak.”
Impudent may only be used in lengthy epithets. It should be placed at the end of a string of disparaging adjectives for utmost effect. The word impudent is rarely heard outside of New York City. “No, you fatuous, in-bred, callow, wearisome, vapid, driveling, impudent bastard, you may not share my table.”
Be sure to drop by next week to this word power primer when we will discuss: a different word.
9:49:25 PM 
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