presumptuous
adjective

- a person who is presumptuous shows little respect for others by doing things they have no right to do

Cambridge Dictionary

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ORIGIN

“Presumptuous” comes from the Late Latin verb “praesumptuosus” full of boldness. It means taking for granted one’s access to someone or power to do something. It’s a very satisfying and effective word because it belittles and criticizes at the same time.

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HELL CAME FIRST

Martin Luther was once asked by a persistent young theologian demanding to know where God had been before the world was created. “He was building Hell,” Luther snapped, “for presumptuous, fluttering, and inquisitive spirits like you.”

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SYNONYMS

The fact that English has over 500 synonyms related to “presumptuous” is an indication of its prevalence. Here are a few colourful examples for you to try out:

a know-it-all, bare-faced, blowing one’s own trumpet, bullheaded, cock-a-hoop, egomaniac, full of hot air, full of oneself, heading for a fall, heavy-handed, high and mighty, holier-than-thou, ill-bred, la-dee-da, ironhanded, like the cat that’s got the cream, loudmouth, loutish, not backwards in coming forwards, on one’s high horse, peacockish, pig-headed, pleased with oneself, PRESUMPTUOUS, roughneck, self-applauding, self-dramatizing, sharp-elbowed, smart-assed, smarty pants, snot-nosed, stiff-necked, take-it-or-leave-it, think one is the cat’s pyjamas, think one is God’s gift, throwing one’s weight around, toffee-nosed, too big for one’s boots, ungentlemanly, unladylike, well-pleased with oneself, windbag, wisenheimer

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PRACTICE OWAD in an English conversation, say something like:

“Although we’re often sure about the best way forward, it’s important not to come across PRESUMPTUOUS in front of clients.”

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Paul Smith