- An expression of outrage, indignation, or shocked disapproval at someone's perceived audacity, arrogance, rudeness, or impudence.
- It implies the person has done something bold and disrespectful, overstepping boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Explanation
Origin
- 'Nerve' in this context refers to boldness or courage, but used ironically or negatively to mean excessive, inappropriate boldness (cheek, gall, audacity).
- Having 'some nerve' suggests the person possesses an unusually high amount of this inappropriate boldness. Dates back to the late 19th/early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Ballsy move. (Referring to boldness, can be admiring or disapproving depending on context)
- That's bold. (Can be sarcastic)
- Seriously? (Expressing disbelief at the action)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- You've got some fucking nerve. (Adds strong emphasis)
- What the fuck? (General expression of shock/outrage at the action)
Milder:
- That was rather forward of you.
- I'm surprised you would do/say that.
- That wasn't very appropriate.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal and confrontational. Expresses strong disapproval.
- Use when genuinely shocked or angered by someone's disrespectful boldness.
- Using it in a professional setting is risky and implies significant offense has been taken; it could escalate tensions considerably. Best reserved for informal disputes or clear boundary violations.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might mistake nerve for courage in a positive sense. Emphasize that in this phrase, it specifically means inappropriate boldness or audacity, and the tone is one of disapproval or anger.
- It's an insult, not a compliment.
Examples
- You borrow my car without asking and then return it empty? You've got some nerve!
- After showing up an hour late, he had the nerve to complain about the meeting starting without him. He's got some nerve.
- Telling me how to raise my own kids? You've got some nerve!
Dialogue
Colleague A: Can you finish my report for me? I want to leave early today.
Colleague B: You've got some nerve! I have my own deadlines to meet. Why didn't you finish it yourself?
Colleague A: Oh, uh, I just thought I'd ask...
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My neighbor blocked my driveway AGAIN. You've got some nerve! 😡 #neighborproblems #rant
- Comment: (On a story about someone behaving badly) Wow, they really did that? They've got some nerve!
- Reply: Asking for free artwork after criticizing my style? You've got some nerve, buddy.
Response Patterns
- (Defensively) What? What did I do? / I didn't mean it like that.
- (Aggressively) Yeah? And what are you going to do about it?
- (Apologetically) I'm really sorry, I wasn't thinking.
- (Arrogantly) Ignoring the comment or smirking.
- Silence, looking taken aback or guilty.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After the exclamation:
- The speaker might elaborate on why they are outraged (How dare you..., I can't believe you would...).
- The person addressed needs to respond to the accusation of audacity.
If the response is defensive or aggressive:
- The conflict is likely to escalate.
If the response is apologetic:
- The speaker might still be angry but may be slightly mollified.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's an exclamation of outrage in reaction to someone's perceived audacious behavior.
Intonation
- Delivered with strong emphasis on NERVE, often with a tone of disbelief, anger, or contempt. You've got some NERVE.
- Can be exclaimed loudly or muttered under the breath with disgust.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions. The cheek of it! is more common in the UK and Australia.