Brazening

/ˈbreɪzənɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The act of facing something with bold confidence and without shame, even when it might be wrong or foolish.

Etymology

From Old English 'bræsen' meaning made of brass, combined with the suffix '-ing'. The word shifted from literally being made of brass to metaphorically describing shameless boldness, since brass is a hard, unyielding metal.

Kelly Says

Humans have used brass for thousands of years because it doesn't tarnish easily, so 'brazen' became synonymous with something hardened and unbending—which is why we use it for shameless confidence today.

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