Unmitigated Gall
Absolute impudence, out-and-out effrontery. The use of gall, which strictly speaking means the liver’s secretion, or bile, and its extension to bitterness of any kind, dates from about a.d. 1000. In late nineteenth-century America, however, it began to be used in the sense of “nerve” or “brazenness.” Its frequent pairing with unmitigated, meaning “unmodified” or “intense,” occurred in the twentieth century.
Related Terms:
- Chutzpah: Yiddish term for audacity or supreme self-confidence.
- Nerve: Boldness or courage, often approaching impudence.
- Brass: Shameless audacity.
- Effrontery: Insolent or impertinent behavior.
- Temerity: Excessive confidence or boldness.
- Gumption: Shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness.
Synonyms:
- Audacity
- Brazen boldness
- Insolence
- Shamelessness
Antonyms:
- Modesty
- Humility
- Reserve
- Meekness
Quotes:
- Mark Twain: “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.”
- Oscar Wilde: “No good deed goes unpunished.”
- Dorothy Parker: “I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn’t true.”
Proverbs:
- “Fortune favors the bold.”
- “He who dares, wins.”
References:
- Literature: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen - The audacious proposals and societal defiance.
- Books: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Gatsby’s brazen pursuit of the American Dream.
- Songs: “Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders - A song about having the confidence to stand out.
- Poetry: Invictus by William Ernest Henley - A defiant poem of boldness and resilience.
- Movies: “Erin Brockovich” - The story of an unflinching woman taking on the big boys.
### Which of these phrases best exemplifies 'unmitigated gall'?
- [ ] A whisper in the wind
- [x] A bull in a china shop
- [ ] A stitch in time saves nine
- [ ] A drop in the ocean
> **Explanation:** "A bull in a china shop" depicts a person who is unapologetically clumsy or brazenly extreme in their actions, which aligns well with the concept of 'unmitigated gall.'
### True or False: The term 'chutzpah' is synonymous with 'unmitigated gall'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, both chutzpah and unmitigated gall signify extreme audacity or shameless boldness.
### Which literary character exemplifies 'unmitigated gall'?
- [x] Tom Buchanan in *The Great Gatsby*
- [ ] Jane Eyre in *Jane Eyre*
- [ ] Atticus Finch in *To Kill a Mockingbird*
- [ ] Pip in *Great Expectations*
> **Explanation:** Tom Buchanan's arrogance, entitlement, and sheer nerve in *The Great Gatsby* embody the essence of unmitigated gall.
### What similar term means 'excessive confidence or boldness'?
- [ ] Humility
- [ ] Reservation
- [x] Temerity
- [ ] Diffidence
> **Explanation:** Temerity is synonymous with excessive confidence or boldness, akin to unmitigated gall.
### Which movie character is a prime example of having 'unmitigated gall'?
- [ ] Harry Potter in *Harry Potter*
- [x] Erin Brockovich in *Erin Brockovich*
- [ ] Frodo Baggins in *The Lord of the Rings*
- [ ] Mary Poppins in *Mary Poppins*
> **Explanation:** Erin Brockovich shows unmitigated gall by taking on a giant corporation with unwavering boldness.
Remember, dear reader, that in language and in life, daring to be bold often paves the way to unimaginable adventures. Go out there and embrace the audacity within you!
Sincerely,
Moxie Maxword
