brass neck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial; common in spoken language and informal writing.
Quick answer
What does “brass neck” mean?
Shameless boldness or impudence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Shameless boldness or impudence; extreme audacity, especially when one should feel embarrassed or apologetic.
A metaphorical term describing the quality of being unashamedly forward, cheeky, or brazen, particularly in situations where such behaviour is seen as offensive or inappropriate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly British/Irish English. The closest American equivalent is 'brass' or 'gall' used in similar contexts (e.g., 'He's got brass'). 'Brass neck' is understood but rarely used in American English.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries a tone of colourful reproach, often with a mix of disapproval and reluctant admiration for the sheer audacity.
Frequency
High frequency in UK/Irish informal speech; low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “brass neck” in a Sentence
[Person] has/showed the brass neck to [infinitive verb phrase]It takes brass neck to [infinitive verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brass neck” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- After forgetting our anniversary, he had the brass-necked audacity to ask for a loan. (derived, hyphenated)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to criticise a competitor's or colleague's shamelessly aggressive or unethical proposal.
Academic
Rare; might appear in informal discourse or social commentary on political behaviour.
Everyday
Common when complaining about someone's rude, presumptuous, or shameless act.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brass neck”
- Using 'brass neck' as an adjective directly before a noun (e.g., 'a brass neck person' – incorrect). It's a noun phrase. Correct: 'a person with a brass neck'.
- Confusing with 'brass' alone (meaning high-ranking officials or money).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is critical and disapproving but not swearing or highly offensive. It's a strong term for impudence.
No, it is colloquial. Use 'audacity', 'effrontery', or 'temerity' in formal contexts.
'Brass neck' implies a stronger, more shameless, and often more surprising level of impudence than the more general 'cheek'.
Not typically. The standard construction is 'He has a brass neck' or 'He is brass-necked' (less common).
Shameless boldness or impudence.
Brass neck: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːs ˈnek/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbræs ˈnek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The brass neck of it!”
- “Of all the brass neck!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a statue made of brass where the neck is the shiniest, most prominent part – it's unashamedly on display, just like a person's shameless boldness.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAMELESSNESS IS A HARD, METALLIC BODY PART (implying toughness, durability, and a lack of sensitivity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'brass neck' be MOST appropriately used?