The phrase "hard nosed" means stubborn, uncompromising or tough. The correct spelling of this phrase is "hard nosed", with the "e" at the end of "nosed". This "e" is pronounced as a schwa sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /ə/. The word "nosed" itself is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a "z" sound at the end, represented phonetically as /noʊzd/. When pronounced together, "hard nosed" is pronounced as /hɑːrd/ /nəʊzd/ with stress on the first syllable of "hard" and the second syllable of "nosed".
"Hard-nosed" is an adjective used to describe a person who is tough, practical, and shrewd in their approach to situations, often showing a lack of sentimentality or softness. It refers to someone who is uncompromising and shows little sympathy or tolerance for weakness or sentiment.
This term is typically associated with people who have a no-nonsense attitude and prefer taking a realistic, pragmatic stance, particularly in business or negotiations. A hard-nosed individual is often strict, competitive, and determined to achieve their goals, willing to make difficult decisions regardless of the consequences. They exhibit a strong, decisive nature, focusing on facts and results rather than emotional considerations.
Furthermore, being hard-nosed can also suggest a person who is unyielding and unwavering in their beliefs or principles. They reject sentiment or emotional appeals, preferring rationality and logic. This emphasis on practicality and toughness contributes to the perception that hard-nosed individuals may be perceived as harsh or blunt in their interactions, not afraid to confront difficult situations head-on.
Overall, "hard-nosed" characterizes someone who possesses an uncompromising, tough-minded, and resolute demeanor, prioritizing practicality and rationality above sentimentality or emotional considerations.
The term "hard-nosed" originated in the early 20th century in America and has its roots in boxing terminology, specifically referring to boxers who have a tough or uncompromising approach. It comes from the compound of two words: "hard" meaning tough, unyielding, or unfeeling, and "nose" as a metaphor for detection or practicality. Initially, this expression was used to describe boxers who would fight aggressively, without backing down or taking it easy on their opponents.
Over time, the term broadened its usage and became figurative, moving beyond boxing to describe individuals who are tough, practical, unsentimental, or determined in their approach to various situations. It is commonly used to characterize someone who is unyielding, resolute, and focused on achieving their goals, even if it means being strict or unsympathetic.