Chutzpah
noun
Extreme self-confidence or audacity.
He had the chutzpah to ask for a raise despite constantly coming in late to work.
Often appears as...
- have chutzpah
- show chutzpah
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
A type of bravery mixed with audacity and rude behavior.
He showed real chutzpah when he walked directly to the boss's office to complain about the new changes.
Often appears as...
- show chutzpah
- admirable chutzpah
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Idiomatic
noun
Extreme self-confidence or audacity.
He had the chutzpah to ask for a raise despite constantly coming in late to work.
Often appears as...
- have chutzpah
- show chutzpah
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
A type of bravery mixed with audacity and rude behavior.
He showed real chutzpah when he walked directly to the boss's office to complain about the new changes.
Often appears as...
- show chutzpah
- admirable chutzpah
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Boldness
Chutzpah reflects a daring attitude that's admired in some cultures but may seem disrespectful in others.
His chutzpah at the negotiation table was unexpected but effective.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Positive
Though it involves risk, chutzpah is usually seen as a positive trait, showing confidence.
She had the chutzpah to start her own business at 18.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
Use 'chutzpah' in informal conversations rather than formal writing or speech.
I can't believe you had the chutzpah to joke with the principal!
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Boldness
Chutzpah reflects a daring attitude that's admired in some cultures but may seem disrespectful in others.
His chutzpah at the negotiation table was unexpected but effective.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Positive
Though it involves risk, chutzpah is usually seen as a positive trait, showing confidence.
She had the chutzpah to start her own business at 18.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
Use 'chutzpah' in informal conversations rather than formal writing or speech.
I can't believe you had the chutzpah to joke with the principal!
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Boldness
Chutzpah reflects a daring attitude that's admired in some cultures but may seem disrespectful in others.
His chutzpah at the negotiation table was unexpected but effective.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Positive
Though it involves risk, chutzpah is usually seen as a positive trait, showing confidence.
She had the chutzpah to start her own business at 18.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
Use 'chutzpah' in informal conversations rather than formal writing or speech.
I can't believe you had the chutzpah to joke with the principal!
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Video examples
Eli Beer: The fastest...
no matter who, where they come from. We all want to be heroes. We just need a good idea, motivation and lots of chutzpah, and we could save millions of people that otherwise would not be saved. Thank you very much.
Video examples
Eli Beer: The fastest...
no matter who, where they come from. We all want to be heroes. We just need a good idea, motivation and lots of chutzpah, and we could save millions of people that otherwise would not be saved. Thank you very much.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Imelda Staunton
English Actress
Having a child makes you strong and gives you chutzpah. It relaxed my attitude to the job; my center of focus shifted, which I think is very helpful, because even if you're not a very indulgent actor you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself. I don't think that is particularly healthy.
Quote examples
Joe Bastianich
American Chef
Selling wine is all about sizing people up, and it takes a certain amount of chutzpah. The tableside bottle sell is a very funny thing - you take a look at the guy's blazer, what kind of shoes he's wearing, what kind of broad he's with. Is he trying to be a hero?
Quote examples
Vilayanur S. Ramachandran
Indian Scientist
You need to have tremendous confidence in your work, even a touch of arrogance, chutzpah. Many very fine researchers lack intellectual daring. It's human nature to want to be cozy, secure. But that can be a cul de sac.
Quote examples
Ian Rankin
Scottish Writer
Punk gave you a kind of chutzpah, so even trying to be a writer, I just thought, 'Well, I'm going to send poems to 'Radio Times,' short stories to the 'Observer,' just have a go.
Quote examples
Zubin Mehta
Indian Musician
Some musical directors have more chutzpah. They pick up the phone and talk people into giving. I prefer to call and say 'thank you' after the money has been contributed.
Quote examples
Joan Allen
American Actress
I was always much more shy. All I knew was that I loved to act. But I don't know about the other part of it. I'm not sure I had the chutzpah to go and prove yourself.
Quote examples
Jeremy Irons
English Actor
I succeeded on sort of chutzpah and charm. No technique at all, didn't know what I was doing, but it worked and the character suited me.
Quote examples
Isla Fisher
Australian Actress
I never had the chutzpah to just come to L.A. and make it. I didn't have that confidence. I'm always surprised when I get a job.
Quote examples
Shweta Menon
Indian Model
I have always believed that I have chutzpah that a lot of girls wish they had, and I am proud of that.
Quote examples
Conchata Ferrell
I loved Susan Bloom from the moment I heard about her. I admire her chutzpah.
Quote examples
Imelda Staunton
English Actress
Having a child makes you strong and gives you chutzpah. It relaxed my attitude to the job; my center of focus shifted, which I think is very helpful, because even if you're not a very indulgent actor you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself. I don't think that is particularly healthy.
Quote examples
Joe Bastianich
American Chef
Selling wine is all about sizing people up, and it takes a certain amount of chutzpah. The tableside bottle sell is a very funny thing - you take a look at the guy's blazer, what kind of shoes he's wearing, what kind of broad he's with. Is he trying to be a hero?
Quote examples
Vilayanur S. Ramachandran
Indian Scientist
You need to have tremendous confidence in your work, even a touch of arrogance, chutzpah. Many very fine researchers lack intellectual daring. It's human nature to want to be cozy, secure. But that can be a cul de sac.
Quote examples
Ian Rankin
Scottish Writer
Punk gave you a kind of chutzpah, so even trying to be a writer, I just thought, 'Well, I'm going to send poems to 'Radio Times,' short stories to the 'Observer,' just have a go.
Quote examples
Zubin Mehta
Indian Musician
Some musical directors have more chutzpah. They pick up the phone and talk people into giving. I prefer to call and say 'thank you' after the money has been contributed.
Quote examples
Joan Allen
American Actress
I was always much more shy. All I knew was that I loved to act. But I don't know about the other part of it. I'm not sure I had the chutzpah to go and prove yourself.
Quote examples
Jeremy Irons
English Actor
I succeeded on sort of chutzpah and charm. No technique at all, didn't know what I was doing, but it worked and the character suited me.
Quote examples
Isla Fisher
Australian Actress
I never had the chutzpah to just come to L.A. and make it. I didn't have that confidence. I'm always surprised when I get a job.
Quote examples
Shweta Menon
Indian Model
I have always believed that I have chutzpah that a lot of girls wish they had, and I am proud of that.
Quote examples
Conchata Ferrell
I loved Susan Bloom from the moment I heard about her. I admire her chutzpah.
Example 1 of 10
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