Cool MateBold vs You got balls
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Bold
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adjective
You got balls
SlangBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: BoldMost common: Bold
| Bold | You got balls | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/bəʊld/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bəʊld/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jʊ ɡɒt bɔːlz//🇺🇸 //ju ɡɑːt bɔlz// |
| Meaning | Not afraid to take risks; brave. | You are brave or daring. |
| Example | Her bold decision to travel alone was admired by everyone. | You got balls for taking on that challenge! |
| Register | Neutral | Slang |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, feel, become, extremely, fairly, very | got balls, show balls, have balls |
| Antonyms | timid, shy, cowardly | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'bald'; they sound similar., Using 'bold' as a noun instead of an adjective., Misunderstanding its meaning as just 'bright' or 'vivid'. | Used in formal settings where it may seem inappropriate., Confused with 'you got guts', which has a similar meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'bold' to describe someone who is courageous or actions that are daring. It's suitable in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual settings where 'risky' might fit better. | This phrase is informal and often used in casual conversations to compliment someone's courage. It's mostly used among friends and may not be appropriate in formal situations. |
Frequently asked questions: Bold vs You got balls
What's the difference between Bold and You got balls?
Bold: Not afraid to take risks; brave. You got balls: You are brave or daring.
Which is more formal: Bold and You got balls?
Bold is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Bold and You got balls?
Bold is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Bold: Her bold decision to travel alone was admired by everyone. You got balls: You got balls for taking on that challenge!
Can I use Bold and You got balls interchangeably?
Not always. Bold and You got balls are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.