brash

Definition

Overly bold or self-assertive to the point of being insensitive, tactless or impudent; shameless.

Etymology

Uncertain. Perhaps from Scots brash, brasch (“a violent onset; an attack or assault”). Perhaps also related to Dutch bars (“stern; strict”), German barsch (“harsh; unfriendly”), Danish barsk (“harsh; rough; tough”), Swedish barsk (“harsh; impetuous”).

Example Sentences

• "a brash young businessman; a brash tabloid; a brash sense of humour"
• "Mrs. Mayfield looked away, and the girl stricken with remorse, hastened to her and said: “There, I have been too brash, haven’t I? You must forgive me for I didn’t intend to be brash.” “Brash, my dear? What do you mean by that?” She laughed. “Why, I thought everybody know’d what brash meant. Well, it’s er—too quick to say somethin’ you oughtn’t to say.”"
• "Trouble with Silzer is, he’s too brash—shoots off his mouth too much—likes to hear himself talk."