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freshness

freshness

1 7.2
Rude talk or behaviour that shows no respect
  • noun
  • /ˈfrɛʃnəs/
  • Informal
translation icon : descaro

Examples

  • So, esteemed and deeply appreciated Legal Team for Dr. Conrad Murray, please forgive my "freshness," but --

    Blog text (30)
  • Her freshness in speaking to the audience impressed everyone at the conference.

  • The student's freshness in addressing controversial topics often shocked his teachers.

  • I was taken aback by the freshness of his remarks during the meeting.

Synonyms

gall
vsfreshness
24 8.1

Rude boldness that shows no shame

is more about cheeky, speech-based freedoms rather than overt shameless boldness
insolence
vsfreshness
19 7.2

Rude behavior or speech toward someone in authority

is mainly the taking liberties in manner or speech, not limited to authority contexts
impudence
vsfreshness
8 7.7

Rude behaviour that shows no respect for other people

focuses on taking liberties and cheeky speech rather than broad disrespect
impertinence
vsfreshness
7 8.1

Rude behavior or remarks that show a lack of respect

is about taking liberties in speech and manner rather than general disrespect
cheekiness
vsfreshness
  • Informal
1 5.8

A bold, slightly rude way of speaking or acting that is playful and shows little respect

is about taking liberties in speech and manner rather than serious disrespect

Antonyms

296 1.9

Polite actions or words that show respect for other people

34 7.8

Polite respect that makes you accept someone's wishes or opinions

Polite and kind behavior toward other people's feelings and wishes

How Rude

brazenness
2 7.3
insolence
19 7.2
impertinence
7 8.1
freshness
  • Informal
1 7.2
cheekiness
  • Informal
1 5.8

Surface Forms

freshness singular
freshnesses plural

Morphology

freshness = fresh (semi-transparent) = fresh + ness

Formally derived from 'fresh' + -ness, but the sense 'rudeness or impertinence' is an idiomatic extension of 'fresh' (impudent) and may be unexpected for learners who know only the 'new/clean' senses.

Etymology

Freshness also came to mean bold or rude behavior from fresh, used for someone who is 'too forward' or 'bold'. A helpful way to remember this is to think of someone being 'too fresh' — taking liberties in speech — which is why freshness can mean cheeky or impertinent behavior.