Chutzpa: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คจ
chutzpa
[หhuts-pษ ]
Definition
behavior, audacity
Chutzpah is a Yiddish term that refers to a combination of audacity and nerve. It describes a boldness that can be both admirable and shocking, often used to discuss someone who is incredibly brazen. The word can imply a mix of confidence and arrogance, as it is used to describe someone who acts without consideration for social norms. While it can carry a negative connotation, it can also be used positively to applaud someone's daring approach.
Synonyms
audacity, gall, insolence, nerve.
Examples of usage
- Her chutzpah in asking for a raise after just a month impressed her boss.
- He had the chutzpah to challenge the authority of the principal.
- Many admired her chutzpah for standing up to the critics.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Originates from the Yiddish language, coming from the Hebrew word 'แธฅuแนฃpฤ', meaning 'insolence' or 'audacity'.
- The word has been adopted into English, especially in American culture, to describe boldness in a humorous or cheeky way.
Cultural Significance
- Often embodies the spirit of the immigrant experience, symbolizing the boldness required to adapt and thrive in new environments.
- Its use in comedy and theater often highlights the quirky traits of characters, showcasing their daring nature.
Pop Culture
- Popularized in the hit musical 'Funny Girl', where the character Fanny Brice is celebrated for her chutzpa.
- Television shows and films frequently use the term to describe characters who act with over-the-top confidence, making it a staple in modern storytelling.
Psychology
- The trait represented by this word can lead to both positive outcomes, such as leadership, and negative ones, like recklessness.
- Research suggests that confidence linked to chutzpa can influence social dynamics and decision-making processes.
Literature
- In Jewish literature, characters displaying this trait often find themselves in morally complex situations, prompting reflections on ethics and bravery.
- Writers like Philip Roth and Lena Dunham use character traits associated with chutzpa to explore themes of identity and social norms.
Translations
Translations of the word "chutzpa" in other languages:
๐ต๐น atrevimento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคถเคฐเฅเคฎเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Frechheit
๐ฎ๐ฉ keberanian
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐั ะฐะฑััะฒะพ
๐ต๐ฑ bezczelnoลฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใใใใ
๐ซ๐ท effronterie
๐ช๐ธ desfachatez
๐น๐ท cesaret
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ป๋ปํจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุงุญุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ drzost
๐ธ๐ฐ drzosลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ่ธ็ฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ drznost
๐ฎ๐ธ djarfsemi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐััะปะดัา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฃแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ cษsarษt
๐ฒ๐ฝ desfachatez
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,929, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.