Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural relevance of the phrase 'bold as brass,' a cliché denoting shamelessness and impudence.
The phrase “bold as brass” is a simile used to describe someone who is shamelessly impudent or audaciously confident. It conveys a sense of brazen boldness, often in contexts where such behavior is unexpected or socially inappropriate.
The origins of “bold as brass” are closely linked to the dual meanings of the word “brazen,” which can signify both “made of brass” and “shameless” or “too bold.” The latter meaning has been in use since at least the time of William Shakespeare, who employed the term “brazen” to describe shameless individuals, as seen in King Lear (Act 2, Scene 2): “What a brazen-faced varlet art thou!” The specific phrase “bold as brass” emerged in the late seventeenth to early eighteenth century, although the use of “brass” to imply shamelessness dates back to the sixteenth century. Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act 5, Scene 2) includes the line, “Can any face of brass hold longer out?” Further, Thomas Fuller, in The Profane State (1642), wrote, “His face is of brasse, which may be said either ever or never to blush.”
“Bold as brass” carries connotations of audacity and impudence, often implying a disregard for social norms or expectations. The phrase can be used both pejoratively, to criticize someone for their shamelessness, and admiringly, to commend their fearless confidence. The semantic richness of the phrase allows it to be employed in diverse contexts, highlighting either the negative or positive aspects of bold behavior.
In contemporary culture, “bold as brass” is frequently used in literature, film, and everyday conversation to describe characters or individuals who exhibit unabashed confidence. It often appears in narratives where a character’s audacity is a central theme, serving as a linguistic tool to emphasize their defiance of convention. The phrase’s enduring popularity in social discourse underscores its versatility and the universal appeal of boldness as a character trait.
In professional settings, “bold as brass” may describe an individual’s willingness to take risks or challenge authority. Socially, it might refer to someone who disregards etiquette or norms. In literature, the phrase often characterizes protagonists who defy societal expectations, embodying the archetype of the audacious hero or anti-hero.
The phrase “bold as brass” remains relevant in modern discourse due to its vivid imagery and the timeless appeal of boldness as a human trait. Its adaptability to various contexts ensures its continued usage. Durability rating: ★★★★☆
“What a brazen-faced varlet art thou!” - William Shakespeare, King Lear
“Can any face of brass hold longer out?” - William Shakespeare, Love’s Labour’s Lost
“His face is of brasse, which may be said either ever or never to blush.” - Thomas Fuller, The Profane State (1642)