He taunts the Cyclops because he wants to show his dominance and superiority. He managed to trick the Cyclops so he wants to brag about it. He shows arrogance and hubris and the consequences are that he is severely punished by Poseidon, who turns out to be Cyclops' father.
Recalcitrant" comes from the Latin word "recalcitrare," which means "to be disobedient." The word "recalcitrant" means "stubbornly resistant." Two synonyms are "obstreperous" and "willful." Two antonyms are "compliant" and "obedient."
