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The word chutzpah has been boldly circulating through English since the mid-1800s. It comes from the Yiddish word khutspe, which comes in turn from the Hebrew word ḥuṣpāh. The ch in chutzpah indicates a rasping sound from the back of the throat that exists in many languages, including Yiddish. That sound is not part of English phonology, so it follows that the c is sometimes dropped in both the pronunciation and spelling of the word. Some speakers of Yiddish feel that chutzpah has been diluted in English use, no longer properly conveying the monumental nature of the gall that is implied. A classic example can be found in Leo Rosten’s 1968 book The Joys of Yiddish, which defines chutzpah as “that quality enshrined in a man who, having killed his mother and father, throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.”
Synonyms
Examples of chutzpah in a Sentence
Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
There’s only one word for it: chutzpah, an extreme level of audacity, gall or nerve.
—Steve Bousquet, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025
For the most part, director and co-screenwriter James Mangold — along with co-screenwriter Jay Cocks — do a commendable job showing how the iconic Bob Dylan is not only talented but rather prickly and arrogant — a creative force with the talent and chutzpah to ennoble change.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, Wyden said chutzpah can help not just his colleagues at the Capitol, but all Americans, build better lives for themselves.
—Judy Kurtz, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
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Dictionary Entries Near chutzpah
Cite this Entry
“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chutzpah. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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chutzpah
nounYiddish; of Hebrew origin
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