1892, from Yiddish khutspe “impudence, gall” from Heb. hutspah. The classic definition is that given by Leo Rosten: “that quality enshrined in a man who, having killed his mother and father, throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.”

Example:

1. He had some nerve speaking to me after he insulted my best friend by ignoring her.

2. The chutzpah of that man assuming that I would buy that cheap metal he sold as jewelery as a gift for my wife.

dcc045 has misspelled “gall”.

Thanks for pointing my typo out jesteele1948, you’re quite helpful.

(why did someone say that to you??)

rebuttal: tell them they’re giving you agina LOL …