Effrontery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฒ
effrontery
[ษชหfrสntษri ]
Definition
bold behavior
Effrontery refers to a shameless or impudent boldness. It conveys an audacious disregard for others' feelings, conventions, or accepted behavior. When someone exhibits effrontery, they act in a way that is not only brash but also often shocking to those around them. This term is often used in social contexts where someoneโs actions or words are overtly disrespectful or insolent.
Synonyms
audacity, gall, impudence, insolence, nerve.
Examples of usage
- His effrontery in demanding a raise after joining the company last week was astonishing.
- She had the effrontery to criticize her boss in front of the entire team.
- The student's effrontery in skipping class and then showing up late for the exam was unacceptable.
- I couldn't believe his effrontery when he interrupted the meeting with his outlandish proposal.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term appears in works by authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, often to describe characters with audacious attitudes.
- In many literary contexts, effrontery is used to develop villainous characters who show blatant disregard for rules.
- Shakespeare also explored themes of effrontery, highlighting how characters challenge social norms or authority.
Psychology
- Shameless boldness can often stem from a lack of empathy, sometimes seen in individuals with certain personality disorders.
- People exhibiting effrontery may not recognize social boundaries, leading to conflicts in relationships.
- Research indicates that individuals displaying such behavior might have higher self-esteem or a distorted self-perception.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV shows often feature contestants who display effrontery, captivating audiences with their audacity.
- In many stand-up comedy routines, comedians use effrontery deliberately as a device to provoke laughter.
- Over-the-top characters in sitcoms often embody effrontery, showcasing the humorous side of outrageous behavior.
Origin of 'effrontery'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the French word 'effronterie', which means shamelessness.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'frons', meaning 'forehead', suggesting someone who is 'bold-faced'.
- 'Effrontery' emerged in the English language during the 17th century.
The word 'effrontery' is derived from the French term 'effronterie', which originates from the Latin phrase 'effrons', meaning 'shameless'. The Latin term 'effrons' is composed of the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and the root 'frons,' which means 'forehead' โ it implies having a brazen or bold 'forehead', figuratively speaking. Initially used in the 17th century, it is often used in legal and social contexts to describe flagrant behavior that crosses societal norms. Over time, 'effrontery' has developed a strong association with actions that many would consider impolite or outrageous, making it a powerful descriptor for audacity in both literature and everyday language.