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August 26, 2024 -
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Unless you’re Jewish or speak Yiddish, you likely have no clue what the word chutzpah means. Not to worry, though — The Word Counter is here to help!
In this post, we’re exploring Yiddish terminology to uncover all there is to know about the word chutzpah. So if anyone has ever said that you have chutzpah (/ˈhʊt.spə/ /ˈxʊtspə/), leaving you to wonder what they mean — keep reading.
What Is the Definition of Chutzpah?
According to YourDictionary.com, chutzpah is a Yiddish word that refers to one’s almost-arrogant courage or shameless boldness. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Oh, the gall of that person,” or “The cajones that lady must have to do that thing,” that’s chutzpah!
Originally chutzpah held a more negative meaning, as it derived from a Yiddish word that literally means audacity or insolence. That said, chutzpah currently has a broader usage in the English Language and is often used to reference the amount of courage a person has.
Currently, chutzpah is an informal term meaning impudence, brass, or shameless audacity and is used to reference the effrontery or utter nerve of a person.
In other words, it should be used to make a statement. If a person has chutzpah, then they are not afraid to say what needs to be said without the worry of hurting others’ feelings.
What Is the Etymology of Chutzpah?
First coined in 1892, chutzpah — also referred to as hutzpah — is a derivative of the Yiddish khutspe (or Yiddish חוצפּה) and the Mishnaic Hebrew ḥuṭpâ. Additionally, chutzpah comes from the Aramaic words חוצפא (ḥuṣpāʾ) and חֲצַף (ḥaṣap).
The classic definition of gal or impudence was given to chutzpah by Leo Rosten in his book titled “The Joys of Yiddish.”
What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Chutzpah?
A great way to better understand the meaning behind a new term is by reviewing its synonyms and antonyms. What are synonyms and antonyms, you ask?
In short, synonyms are words (or expressions) that have the same or almost the same meaning as another word. Antonyms, on the other hand, are words that have the opposite meaning of another word.
What Are Synonyms of Chutzpah?
- Hutzpah
- Utter nerve
- Hutzpa
- Impudence
- Chutzpa
- Cheekiness
- Effrontery
- Shameless
- Supreme self-confidence
- Audacity
- Nerve
- Gall
- Cheek
- Insolence
- Presumption
- Brazenness
- Boldness
- Impertinence
- Temerity
- Brashness
- Presumptuousness
- Sauciness
- Sass
- Overconfidence
- Arrogance
What Are Antonyms of Chutzpah?
- Timidity
- Humbleness
- Diffidence
- Guilty conscience
- Hesitancy
- Modesty
- Respectful regard
- Self-loathing
- Meekness
- Reluctance
- Gutlessness
- Dastardliness
- Spinelessness
- Shyness
- Weakness
- Bashfulness
- Civility
- Courteousness
- Faintheartedness
- Humility
- Manners
- Graciousness
How Can You Use Chutzpah in a Sentence?
Unless you speak Yiddish, using the word chutzpah in your everyday life might be a little challenging. Not to worry, though — here are a few sentence examples for you to study below:
It must have taken a lot of chutzpah to stand up to his boss in the way he did today — good for him.
Regardless of the topic, the sheer chutzpah the group brings to the table alone will keep you glued and entertained the entire way.
He clearly had his tochus kicked in, and yet he had the chutzpah to stand on the podium and accept that award — technicality, my tochus! He did not deserve that win.
They really kept us entertained with pure chutzpah and great choreography, cuz let’s face it, their digital effects were garbage.
Our team had chutzpah this year, but that was not enough to win the state title.
I have to admire the chutzpah Sally has in handling this tedious task.
Though Bob wasn’t a celebrity, the brazen man had enough chutzpah to ask for VIP treatment as well.
Other Yiddish Words Used in English
Some of you may be able to guess a few Yiddish words that are commonly used in American English, as well as British English — not just chutzpah.
For those of us that are completely new to the Yiddish language or just love learning, we have prepared a short list of some of the more commonly used Yiddish words in English for you to review below:
- Glitch — a malfunction
- Bagel — a popular breakfast bread that is formed in the shape of a ring
- Futz — waste of time or idle time
- Huck — to nag or to bother someone/something
- Lox — smoked salmon, a tasty treat that is often found accompanying cream cheese atop a bagel
- Mazel — luck
- Schlep — to carry one’s self
- Klutz — a clumsy, uncoordinated person
- Schlub — unkempt or clumsy
- Schmooze — to make small talk or converse
- Shtick — one’s gimmick or comic theme
- Spiel — a persuasive speech or story
- Tush or Tushy — someone’s rear end; their butt
- Yutz — a clueless individual
- Zaftig — a full-figured and often curvy woman
Recap
In short, chutzpah is a Yiddish word that describes a kind of bravery that also borders downright rudeness. Even though it originally had a strong negative connotation in today’s usage, it has a broader meaning — don’t forget, use chutzpah to make a statement!
Sources:
Best 4 Definitions of Chutzpah | Your Dictionary
