Unblushing - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

lack of shame

Unblushing refers to a state of being unashamed or brazenly confident in one's actions or statements. It describes someone who acts without any sense of embarrassment or guilt, often in situations where one might typically feel contrition. People who are unblushing can be seen as bold or even audacious, frequently expressing their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment. This characteristic can be perceived positively when it denotes confidence or negatively when it implies insensitivity or disregard for social norms.

Synonyms

audacious, brazen, impertinent, insolent, unashamed.

Examples of usage

He made an unblushing admission of his mistakes.
Her unblushing comments shocked everyone in the meeting.
The politician's unblushing behavior during the scandal raised eyebrows.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People who are described as unblushing may display high self-esteem and confidence, which can influence their social interactions.
The ability to act unblushingly can be linked to social resilience, allowing individuals to face criticism without shame.
Research shows that individuals who are less prone to blushing might be more comfortable in leadership roles, as they are less affected by social pressure.

Pop Culture

In films and literature, unblushing characters are often depicted as bold protagonists who challenge societal norms, like many contemporary heroes in action movies.
Famous public figures known for their unblushing attitudes often make headlines for their controversial opinions, leading to mixed reactions from the public.
The term is commonly used in satire to describe politicians or celebrities who show boldness without regard for public perception.

Literature

Unblushing characters are often emblematic of defiance in novels; think of literary figures who challenge societal morals and conventions.
Authors use the term to describe characters that lack the typical human emotion of embarrassment, thus creating complex personas in their narratives.
Classic literature often contrasts unblushing characters with more reserved ones, highlighting themes of morality, identity, and societal standards.

Origin of 'unblushing'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'un-', a prefix meaning 'not', with 'blushing', which comes from the Old English 'bluscian', meaning to glow or redden with shame.
It first appeared in English literature in the 19th century, emphasizing a personality trait of fearless honesty.
In contrast to its roots, the use of 'unblushing' often evokes a sense of audacity or shamelessness in modern usage.

The word 'unblushing' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'blushing', which comes from the Old English 'blyscan'. The term 'blushing' has been part of the English language since the early 15th century and denotes the act of turning red in the face due to embarrassment or shame. Its evolution into 'unblushing' likely came about in the 19th century when there was a growing interest in describing human emotions and states of being. 'Unblushing' conveys a sense of unapologetic behavior that has been increasingly relevant in discussions about authenticity and candor in modern society.

Unblushing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations