Brash Meaning
/ˈbɹæʃ/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjSelf-assertive in a rude or overbearing way; showing a lack of respect.
adjOverly bold or self-assertive to the point of being insensitive, tactless or impudent; shameless.
Sentence Examples
His brash confidence impressed some investors and irritated others.
Hector's uncommonly brash and outspoken today. He's usually deathly quiet.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ remarks during the meeting offended many colleagues.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His ____ behavior at the meeting offended many colleagues.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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.”"
— 1902, Opie Read, The Starbucks, Chicago: Laird & Lee, Chapter, page 210:
"Trouble with Silzer is, he’s too brash—shoots off his mouth too much—likes to hear himself talk."
— 1925, Sinclair Lewis, chapter 17, in Arrowsmith:
"The American’s brash unconcern for nuance indicates a young and vigorous country, the Briton’s clipped speech an ancient, proverbial reserve."
— 1958, Peter De Vries, chapter 14, in Mackerel Plaza, Penguin, published 1986, page 209:
"Edusco liked him, he could tell; he imagined Edusco talking about him in a gathering of other self-made Igbo men, men who were brash and striving, who juggled huge businesses and supported vast extended families."
— 2013, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, chapter 54, in Americanah, New York: Knopf:
"[…] just because you’re a little hot under the collar, don’t do anything brash, for fear you may regret it afterward."
— 1905, Andy Adams, chapter 2, in The Outlet, Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, page 22:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ remarks during the meeting offended many colleagues.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His ____ behavior at the meeting offended many colleagues.