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:
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
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"
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.
Answered by Anton on August 30, 2021
Get help from others!
Recent Answers
Recent Questions
© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP