chutzpa
UK[ˈxʊt.spə]US[ˈxʊt.spə]
n
extreme self-confidence or audacity, especially of a kind that is considered rude or lacking in respect.
Etymology
The word 'chutzpa' entered English in the late 19th to early 20th century via Yiddish-speaking Jewish communities. Its ultimate origin is the Hebrew noun 'חֻצְפָּה' (ḥuṣpâ), meaning 'insolence' or 'audacity'. The term carries a complex cultural connotation, describing a particular brand of brazen nerve or gall that is often seen as both reprehensible and, in certain contexts, almost admirable for its sheer boldness. This journey from a Hebrew term for a specific social behavior, through the vernacular Yiddish, into broader English slang and eventually standard usage illustrates the dynamic nature of language contact and cultural exchange.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Yiddish, which itself borrowed it from the Hebrew word 'חֻצְפָּה' (ḥuṣpâ). It functions as a simplex noun in English.
Examples
It took a lot of chutzpa for him to ask for a raise after only a month on the job.
She had the chutzpa to correct the professor's pronunciation in front of the entire class.
The plan was a bold one, requiring equal parts ingenuity and pure chutzpa.