ballsy

Showing reckless nerve

Ballsy means bold, gutsy, and daring—having metaphorical balls: That was a ballsy move, quitting without another job lined up.

The word is vulgar but admiring, applied to men and women alike despite its anatomical origin.

audacious

gutsy

Informally courageous

brazenShamelessly bold
brashOffensively self-assertive
cheekyPlayfully disrespectful

impudent · nerve · gall · chutzpah · temerity · effrontery · swagger · cocky · impertinent · sassy

courageous

fearless

Lacking any apprehension

braveShowing courage despite fear
boldCourageous and daring
daringAdventurous courage

gutsy · plucky · intrepid · valiant · undaunted · unflinching · heroic · gallant · lionhearted · stouthearted

risky

reckless

Carelessly ignoring danger

daringAdventurous courage
adventurousInclined toward risky endeavors
venturesomeInclined toward risky endeavors

gamble · risk-taker · swashbuckling · devil-may-care · foolhardy · harebrained · madcap · audacious · high-stakes · dangerous

Categories

couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
slang adjectivescool, awesome, dope, lit, sick
slang traitsbossy, brainy, bubbly, chatty, cheeky

Opposites

courage and boldness

Without bravery or nerve

timid · spineless · gutless · chicken · yellow-bellied

audacity and nerve

ballsymeek

Humbly unassertive

submissive · passive · timorous · retiring · deferential

Phrases

beach ballLightweight inflatable for shores
ball gameSporting contest with spheres
tennis ballHollow rubber sporting sphere
water balloonLiquid-filled latex pouch
crystal ballFortune-teller's viewing sphere
soccer ballKicked sport sphere

Family

ball, balloon, balls, ballet, ballroom, balled, balling, baller, ballsier

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13