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Chutzpah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chutzpah

[หˆhuหtspษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bravery, audacity

Chutzpah is a Yiddish word that denotes a certain level of audacity or boldness, often to the point of being disrespectful. It is used to describe someone who has a confident, sometimes ridiculous attitude, particularly in difficult situations. The term embodies a mix of nerve and arrogance, and it can be used in both positive and negative connotations.

Synonyms

audacity, brashness, gall, nerve, temerity.

Examples of usage

  • He showed great chutzpah by challenging the authority in public.
  • Her chutzpah in asking for a raise surprised her boss.
  • It takes a lot of chutzpah to criticize someone so openly.
  • Despite the odds, his chutzpah led him to success.
  • You need a bit of chutzpah if you want to make it in this industry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'chutzpah'

The word chutzpah originates from the Yiddish language, which is rooted in German and has significant influence from Hebrew and Aramaic. The term itself is derived from the Hebrew word 'แธฅuแนฃpฤ', meaning 'insolence' or 'shamelessness'. The use of chutzpah in English reflects the immigrant experience of Eastern European Jews in America, where the word entered the vernacular in the early to mid-20th century. It captures not only a cultural attitude of confronting adversity but also evokes the unique linguistic blend characteristic of Yiddish. Over time, chutzpah has expanded in usage beyond its original cultural context, often employed in discussions of personality traits and behavior, making it a popular term to describe boldness that challenges norms.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,146, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.