How Do You Spell BRASS?

Pronunciation: [bɹˈas] (IPA)

The word "brass" is a five-letter noun that refers to a bright yellow alloy composed of copper and zinc. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be spelled as /bræs/. The first sound /b/ is voiced bilabial stop and the second sound /r/ is voiced alveolar trill. The third sound /æ/ is a low front vowel, followed by the fourth sound /s/, which is an unvoiced alveolar sibilant. This combination of sounds creates the word "brass", a word commonly used to describe a variety of metallic objects.

BRASS Meaning and Definition

  1. Brass is a noun that can refer to two distinct meanings. Firstly, brass can be described as an alloy, primarily composed of copper and zinc, but may also contain other elements such as lead or tin. It is characterized by its gold-like appearance and varying degrees of strength. Brass is widely used in various industries, such as construction, musical instruments, plumbing, and decorative arts due to its durability, malleability, and corrosion resistance.

    Additionally, brass can also signify a musical ensemble, typically consisting of brass instruments. This collectively refers to a group of musicians who play instruments made of brass, such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas. Brass bands are known for their distinctive bold and powerful sound, often used in marching bands or in classical or jazz music.

    In a figurative sense, the term "brass" can also be used to describe a person who exhibits confidence, courage, or assertiveness. This slang usage is often seen in phrases like "showing some brass" or "brass tacks," which imply being direct or forthright. It suggests a fearless and unapologetic attitude when dealing with others or facing challenges.

    Overall, the term "brass" encompasses both a type of metal alloy and a diverse musical group, while also possessing a symbolic connotation to describe certain personal characteristics or attitudes.

  2. A compound of copper and zinc of a yellow colour; impudence.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BRASS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BRASS

Etymology of BRASS

The word "brass" has an interesting etymology. It comes from an Old English word "bræs", which was originally used to refer to bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. The Old English word was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "brasa", which meant "shiny" or "gleaming". Over time, the meaning of "brass" shifted to refer specifically to an alloy of copper and zinc, rather than copper and tin as in bronze. This transition likely occurred due to the development of new technologies and metallurgical practices. Today, "brass" is still used to describe copper alloys with varying proportions of zinc, while "bronze" refers to copper alloys with tin as the primary alloying element.

Idioms with the word BRASS

  • top brass The idiom "top brass" refers to the highest-ranking officials or executives within an organization or a group. It typically refers to those in positions of power or authority that hold significant influence and make important decisions.
  • brass neck/nerve The idiom "brass neck/nerve" refers to someone displaying a remarkable audacity, confidence, or boldness, especially in a situation where others would feel embarrassed or hesitant. It implies that a person has an ability to act without shame or fear of consequences, often pushing boundaries or disregarding social norms.
  • where there’s muck there’s brass The idiom "where there’s muck there’s brass" refers to the notion that in situations involving hard work or unpleasant tasks, there is often the potential for financial gain or success. In other words, it suggests that opportunities for making money or achieving prosperity can be found in less glamorous or more difficult endeavors. The term "muck" symbolizes unattractive or undesirable work, while "brass" refers to money or wealth.
  • brass hat The idiom "brass hat" refers to a person of high rank or authority, particularly within a military or bureaucratic organization. It typically implies a person who is pompous, influential, and may have a tendency to exert their authority in a domineering or arrogant manner.
  • brass monkey The idiom "brass monkey" refers to extreme cold weather conditions. It is often used to describe a situation or environment that is severely cold or freezing.
  • brass off The idiom "brass off" means to irritate, annoy, or make someone angry or frustrated.
  • brass ring The idiom "brass ring" refers to a valuable opportunity or reward that is difficult to attain, often requiring effort, skill, or ambition. It originated from the concept of a carousel game, where riders reaching out for a suspended brass ring while riding a carousel had a chance to win a special prize. In a broader sense, the idiom symbolizes a coveted goal or achievement that requires perseverance and determination to attain.
  • where there's muck there's brass The idiom "where there's muck there's brass" originates from Yorkshire, England, and it means that there is money to be made in dirty or unpleasant jobs or situations. It suggests that engaging in messy or unappealing work can lead to financial gain or success. The term "muck" refers to dirt or filth, while "brass" is slang for money. Hence, the phrase implies that where there is dirt or mess, there is also an opportunity for profit.
  • down to brass tacks The idiom "down to brass tacks" means getting to the essential or practical realities of a situation, focusing on important details, or getting to the main point of a conversation or discussion. It is often used when a conversation or action is becoming too vague, long-winded, or unproductive, suggesting the need to cut through unnecessary information and get to the heart of the matter.
  • the brass ring The idiom "the brass ring" typically refers to a metaphorical opportunity for great success or achievement. It often symbolizes a valuable chance at reaching one's goals or obtaining a highly desired outcome.
  • brass monkeys The idiom "brass monkeys" typically refers to extremely cold weather or freezing temperatures. It is often used colloquially to describe a situation or environment that is extremely cold or unpleasantly chilly.
  • brass monkey weather The idiom "brass monkey weather" refers to extremely cold weather or freezing temperatures.
  • have the brass (neck) to (do something) To have the brass (neck) to (do something) means to have the audacity, boldness, or nerve to do something, especially when it is considered impertinent or unacceptable. It implies that someone has a strong self-confidence or lack of shame to undertake a particular action or behavior.
  • the top brass The idiom "the top brass" refers to the highest-ranking officials or executives within an organization or a group. It is often used to describe those who hold senior positions and have significant decision-making authority. The term is derived from military terminology, where "brass" refers to the metallic insignia worn by high-ranking officers.
  • be cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey The phrase "be cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" is an idiom used to describe an extremely cold temperature. It implies that the weather is so cold that it could freeze or cause the detachment of the testicles of a brass ornament in the shape of a monkey. This idiom is often used colloquially to exaggerate how bitterly cold it feels.
  • get (or come) down to brass tacks The idiom "get (or come) down to brass tacks" means to focus on the essential or crucial aspects of a situation or issue, often emphasizing practical matters or important details. It implies cutting through unnecessary details or distractions and dealing with the core point or truth.
  • brass ceiling The idiom "brass ceiling" refers to an invisible barrier or limitation that prevents women from advancing into high-level leadership positions, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as the military or corporate world. It is similar to the concept of the "glass ceiling," which pertains to gender-based barriers to career progression. However, the term "brass ceiling" specifically highlights the challenges faced by women attempting to break through hierarchical barriers in fields where power and authority are symbolized by brass insignia, such as military ranks.
  • brass tacks The idiom "brass tacks" refers to the basic or essential details or facts of a specific matter or situation. It often implies getting down to the most important or fundamental aspects of an issue, without any unnecessary or peripheral information.
  • brass someone off The idiom "brass someone off" means to irritate, annoy, or provoke someone deliberately, often by using aggressive or confrontational behavior or language.
  • cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey The idiom "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" is an exaggerated expression used to describe extremely cold weather conditions. It implies that the temperature is so low that it could freeze the testicles (balls) off a brass monkey. However, it is worth noting that this phrase is often used colloquially and does not have a literal basis in reality.
  • with (brass) knobs on The idiom "with (brass) knobs on" is used to emphasize that something is enhanced or embellished with additional features, characteristics, or extras. It implies that the thing in question is not only complete but also includes attractive or desirable additions that make it even more impressive or appealing.
  • brass farthing The idiom "brass farthing" refers to a situation or item that is essentially worthless or of very little value. It originates from the British expression "not worth a brass farthing," wherein a farthing is a former British coin of low value, and brass underscores the insignificance or lack of worth.
  • have the brass (neck) to do sth The idiom "have the brass (neck) to do something" means to have the audacity or boldness to do something, especially when it involves behaving in a way that is bold, impudent, or disrespectful. It implies someone demonstrating confidence or nerve in undertaking an action that may be considered daring or inappropriate.
  • a brass farthing The idiom "a brass farthing" refers to an insignificant or worthless amount of money. It implies that the mentioned amount is of very little value or importance.
  • big brass The idiom "big brass" typically refers to high-ranking officials or people in positions of power and authority, especially within an organization or institution. It is often used to describe individuals who hold significant levels of influence, decision-making abilities, and have the ability to command and direct others.
  • brass balls The idiom "brass balls" is typically used to describe someone who is extremely confident, fearless, and unyielding in the face of adversity or challenge. It refers to a person who exhibits great courage, determination, and not easily intimidated or deterred. The term "brass balls" implies an image of strength and resilience.
  • bold as brass The idiom "bold as brass" refers to someone who displays confidence, audacity, or fearlessness, often bordering on rudeness or impudence. This individual has no reservations or qualms about expressing their opinion or acting boldly, even in potentially conflicting or inappropriate situations.
  • (as) bold as brass The idiom "(as) bold as brass" refers to someone who is being particularly confident, self-assured, or audacious, often without showing any signs of shame or concern for the consequences.
  • be not worth a brass farthing The idiom "be not worth a brass farthing" means that something or someone is completely worthless or of no value whatsoever. It emphasizes the idea that even a small amount of monetary value cannot be attributed to the described subject.
  • brass neck The idiom "brass neck" refers to someone who displays audacity, nerve, or boldness in a situation where it is unexpected or inappropriate. It describes a person who shamelessly and confidently behaves in a way that might be perceived as impolite, disrespectful, or brazen.
  • and the same to you with (brass) knobs on The idiom "and the same to you with (brass) knobs on" is a playful or sarcastic response to someone's well wishes or insults. It essentially means wishing or returning the same sentiment, but in an exaggerated or amplified manner. The addition of "brass knobs on" serves to intensify or highlight the exaggeration.
  • with knobs (or brass knobs) on The idiom "with knobs (or brass knobs) on" is used to indicate that something is exaggerated, enhanced, or particularly impressive. It suggests that something has additional features or embellishments that make it even more remarkable or extravagant. It emphasizes the idea of something being enhanced or taken to the next level.
  • get down to brass tacks The idiom "get down to brass tacks" means to focus on the essential or most important elements of a matter or situation, often involving getting to the bottom line or taking decisive action. It implies cutting through unnecessary details or small talk and getting to the heart of the matter.
  • not worth a brass farthing The idiom "not worth a brass farthing" means that something has little or no value, worth, or importance. It implies that an object, idea, or action is completely worthless or of very little significance. The phrase originated from the concept of a "farthing," which was a British coin made of brass and had the lowest monetary value. Therefore, when something is described as not being worth a brass farthing, it suggests that it is perceived as being utterly valueless.
  • not a brass farthing The idiom "not a brass farthing" is an expression used to describe someone having no money or wealth whatsoever. It implies being completely broke or penniless.
  • brass sm off
  • part brass rags with
  • part brass rags "to quarrel or have a disagreement with someone; to be at odds with someone"
  • have the (brass) face to (do something) The idiom "have the (brass) face to (do something)" means to have the audacity or shamelessness to do something that may be considered bold, daring, or inappropriate.
  • double in brass The idiom "double in brass" means to be very robust, strong, or tough, and is typically used to describe a person who is resourceful, dependable, and capable of handling difficult situations with ease. It can also refer to someone who is highly competent and skilled in their profession.

Similar spelling words for BRASS

Plural form of BRASS is BRASSES

Conjugate verb Brass

CONDITIONAL

I would brass
we would brass
you would brass
he/she/it would brass
they would brass

FUTURE

I will brass
we will brass
you will brass
he/she/it will brass
they will brass

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have brassed
we will have brassed
you will have brassed
he/she/it will have brassed
they will have brassed

PAST

I brassed
we brassed
you brassed
he/she/it brassed
they brassed

PAST PERFECT

I had brassed
we had brassed
you had brassed
he/she/it had brassed
they had brassed

PRESENT

I brass
we brass
you brass
he/she/it brasses
they brass

PRESENT PERFECT

I have brassed
we have brassed
you have brassed
he/she/it has brassed
they have brassed
I am brassing
we are brassing
you are brassing
he/she/it is brassing
they are brassing
I was brassing
we were brassing
you were brassing
he/she/it was brassing
they were brassing
I will be brassing
we will be brassing
you will be brassing
he/she/it will be brassing
they will be brassing
I have been brassing
we have been brassing
you have been brassing
he/she/it has been brassing
they have been brassing
I had been brassing
we had been brassing
you had been brassing
he/she/it had been brassing
they had been brassing
I will have been brassing
we will have been brassing
you will have been brassing
he/she/it will have been brassing
they will have been brassing
I would have brassed
we would have brassed
you would have brassed
he/she/it would have brassed
they would have brassed
I would be brassing
we would be brassing
you would be brassing
he/she/it would be brassing
they would be brassing
I would have been brassing
we would have been brassing
you would have been brassing
he/she/it would have been brassing
they would have been brassing

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: