chutzpah

noun

chutz·​pah ˈhu̇t-spə How to pronounce chutzpah (audio) ˈḵu̇t- How to pronounce chutzpah (audio)
-(ˌ)spä
variants or less commonly chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa
: supreme self-confidence : nerve, gall
It took a lot of chutzpah to stand up to him the way she did.
Choose the Right Synonym for chutzpah

temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness.

temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy
has the cheek to call herself a singer
had the gall to demand proof
the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Examples of chutzpah in a Sentence

had the chutzpah to demand that he be treated as a special case and be given priority in settling his insurance claim
Recent Examples on the Web That kind of jaw-dropping change requires exactly the chutzpah and thirst for clarity that Tan is known for. Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 Back at the Red Keep, Otto still can’t believe Aegon’s chutzpah. Omar L. Gallaga, Washington Post, 24 June 2024 What chutzpah from another entitled, rich, white guy. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2024 Mark Goldstein, Boca Raton Beyond chutzpah Some of former President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on some subjects show chutzpadik beyond belief. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chutzpah 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chutzpah.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish khutspe, from Late Hebrew ḥuṣpāh

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chutzpah was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near chutzpah

Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chutzpah. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

chutzpah

noun
chutz·​pah
variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa
ˈhu̇t-spə How to pronounce chutzpah (audio)
ˈḵu̇t-,
-(ˌ)spä
Etymology

Yiddish; of Hebrew origin

More from Merriam-Webster on chutzpah

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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