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What noun means "an unabashed, incorrigible person"?

English Language & Usage Asked on August 30, 2021

Let’s say I know a person that unabashedly engages in behavior that is seen as undesirable (but not necessarily immoral or eccentric; for example, someone that is very brazenly nerdy). I am specifically focused on this person exhibiting such behavior without embarrassment or regard for others’ opinions, i.e. someone that is not afraid to stand out. Is there a word (noun) for such a person, preferably one without strong negative connotations?

Some words I think don’t quite work:

  • "Nerd" (and e.g. "geek", "dork", etc.) suggests a specific behavior/trait that isn’t correct for my usage, and doesn’t usually suggest brazenness.
  • "Reprobate" has strong overtones of immorality. "Libertine" similarly has negative connotations.
  • "Rebel", "renegade" and "maverick" all suggest that the person is actively violating rules, which isn’t necessarily the case (and, again, are often seen as negative).

2 Answers

An exhibitionist would generally imply someone who isn't shy, but generally implies a particular action which doesn't match the question.

A flouter is getting closer, but has similar issues as a rebel; it may imply that laws are being flouted rather than simply the opinions of others.

The best term may be individualist; in particular:

Someone who does as they wish, unconstrained by external influences.

Fear of others' opinions would certainly qualify as an external influence.

Correct answer by Matthew on August 30, 2021

I suggest a brazenface

= an impudent or shameless person

Free Dictionary

adjectivally: brazen-faced = Bold and without shame

Lexico Oxford

The word is related to:

brass neck = a type of behaviour where someone is extremely confident about their own actions but does not understand that their behaviour is unacceptable to others

"She's got a brass neck to ask for a day off when we're so busy"

Cambridge dictionary

The etymology is reasonably clear and related to:

brazen (adj.) Old English bræsen "of brass," from bræs "brass" (see brass (n.)) + -en (2). The figurative sense of "hardened in effrontery" is from 1570s (in brazen-faced), perhaps suggesting a face unable to show shame. To brazen it "face impudently" is from 1550s. Related: Brazenly.

Etymonline

Answered by Anton on August 30, 2021

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