noun
chutzpah
KHUUTS-puh
Chutzpah (noun) means Bold self-confidence or audacity, especially of a shameless or impressive kind. Example: “It took real chutzpah to ask for a raise on his first day.”
noun
1
Bold self-confidence or audacity, especially of a shameless or impressive kind.
"It took real chutzpah to ask for a raise on his first day."
"She had the chutzpah to challenge her boss in front of the whole team."
How to use chutzpah
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNerve — the guts to do or say something bold, cheeky, or outrageous.
When to use it
Informal, borrowed from Yiddish; common in everyday English, especially in the US.
Common pairings
have the chutzpah
sheer chutzpah
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Word forms
- Plural
- chutzpahs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It took real _____ to ask for a raise on his first day.
Etymology
Borrowed from Yiddish khutspe, ultimately from an Aramaic word meaning "audacity" or "boldness".
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “chutzpah” mean?
The word “chutzpah” means bold self-confidence or audacity, especially of a shameless or impressive kind. In plain terms, nerve — the guts to do or say something bold, cheeky, or outrageous.
How do you pronounce “chutzpah”?
“Chutzpah” is pronounced KHUUTS-puh (/ˈxʊts.pə/ in IPA).
How do you use “chutzpah” in a sentence?
Here is “chutzpah” used in a sentence: “It took real chutzpah to ask for a raise on his first day.”
What part of speech is “chutzpah”?
“Chutzpah” is a noun.
Where does the word “chutzpah” come from?
The word “chutzpah” comes from Aramaic. Borrowed from Yiddish khutspe, ultimately from an Aramaic word meaning "audacity" or "boldness".
