Brazening

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Definitions

1. Demonstrating audacity or shamelessness in actions or speech
2. Exhibiting a conspicuous disregard for social norms and propriety
3. Displaying a striking lack of embarrassment or modesty in behavior or speech

Etymology: "Brazening" is the present participle and adjective form of "brazen," so the story belongs to that root. "Brazen" comes from Old English "bræsen," meaning made of brass, and the link to shamelessness is a metaphor: brass was a hard, unyielding metal, and someone who had a "brazen" face was one who could not be made to blush. The adjective meaning "bold, impudent" developed from that image of an unbreakable face. The verb "to brazen" follows the same path, and its most common use is the phrase "to brazen it out," meaning to face down criticism or embarrassment by acting as if nothing is wrong. The present participle "brazening" therefore describes that stance in progress, someone carrying on with a bold front rather than admitting fault.

Synonyms: audacious, shameless

Antonyms: timid, bashful