Lindsay Lohan -- Who You Calling Provocative?

Lindsay Lohan gets called a lot of not-so-pleasant things but the label that crosses the line is ... 'provocative' -- and sources say she's ticked at CNN for using the unspeakable word to describe her.

0920-lindsay-lohan-ex-tmz-01-credit-1
Sources close to Lindsay tell TMZ ... LiLo was "beyond upset" to see her name on CNN's "Showbiz Tonight" as one of the most provocative celebs of 2010. Lindsay made the top five -- along with Miley Cyrus, Mel Gibson and Charlie Sheen -- but Lady Gaga took the top prize. 

Either Lindsay doesn't know what provocative means ... or she's pissed she lost to Gaga.

Fun fact: Lindsay's also nominated for 'Best Mug Shot' of 2010.

0811_lindsay_lohan_footer