noun
brass
Bold confidence that shows little concern for others' disapproval.
She has the brass to demand an apology after insulting us.
Etymology
The older word names the metal. The figurative sense associates its hardness with a person who remains boldly unmoved by embarrassment or disapproval.
More examples
- It takes real brass to blame your teammates for your own mistakes.
- His sheer brass leaves the interviewer speechless.
- You have some brass, asking me for another favor!
Forms
brass
brazen adjective — Bold and shameless about improper behavior.
Similar words
- nerve
- Can describe admirable courage as well as shameless boldness.
- audacity
- Emphasizes daring that may inspire admiration or outrage.
- effrontery
- More formal; emphasizes shameless disrespect for accepted behavior.