chutzpah

/ˈhu̇t-spə/

Yiddish khutspe, from Late Hebrew ḥuṣpāh

noun

  1. supreme self-confidence : nerve, gall

It took a lot of chutzpah to stand up to him the way she did.

temerity audacity hardihood effrontery nerve cheek gall chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.