brashness

[ brash-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being tactless, rash, or offensively bold:

   The justice has a streak of brashness, a cheerful warrior who loves sparring with colleagues in both concurrences and dissents.

2. the quality or condition of being energetic or highly spirited:

   The band isn't perfect, but it has a certain energy and brashness that gives it something above many others.

   This single-player game brings high speed and manic action, all with a brashness and sense of humor that similar games tend to lack.

3. (used especially of wood) the quality of being brittle:

   Old-growth sequoia is known for its brashness and weakness across the grain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brashness¹

brash ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Viewers point out how several episodes have revolved around the brash antics of “Queen” Victoria, whose proclamation of royalty and penchant for bullying has taken precious time away from getting to know the other contestants.

From Washington Post

That number, though, bothered 31-year-old Brenda Frese, Weller’s young, brash replacement.

From Washington Post

I’m a pretty mild-mannered guy, but I embrace my long-held disdain for this brash brassica.

From Washington Post

There were brilliant end-to-end rushes in transition, dizzying corkscrew layups and brash declarations that he and Bradley Beal formed the NBA’s best backcourt.

From Washington Post

Just have a famous actor — Alec Baldwin, let’s say — pop up on TV and repeat some of the things the president has said in a big, brash New York accent, then have him pout a little bit as the audience roars its approval.

From Vox

The Eden theme is coupled with a celebration of modesty that seems to reflect a wider backlash against modern Indian brashness.

From The Daily Beast

Her brashness, inventiveness, and inexhaustible energy carried her the rest of the way.

From The Daily Beast

"That is a bargain," he said, with a brashness simply disgraceful in a good business man.

From Project Gutenberg

His success perhaps is attributable to a single event that stemmed from youthful brashness and vigorous outspokenness.

From Project Gutenberg

Springing up, he caught her hand and made to kiss her in the brashness of impulse.

From Project Gutenberg

She's a woman, fer all her brashness in her callin' herself a man.

From Project Gutenberg

Curiosity had gotten him in, brashness and speed had taken him out.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boldness