got balls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got balls" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar.
It can be used to express that someone has courage or boldness, often in a challenging situation. Example: "I admire her because she really got balls to stand up to the boss during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He has got balls.

The Guardian

"He's got balls to the floor".

The New Yorker

She's got balls, but she's gentle.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's got balls," said Dale, a true friend.

The New Yorker

"She's got balls, and she's from Liverpool," says Rita Ora.

The Guardian

"You've got balls, coming in here," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They got ball".

The New York Times - Style

He "saw ball, got ball".

The Guardian - Sport

Every time they got ball in hand they looked dangerous.

BBC

"She's going to get balls.

The New York Times - Sports

"I kind of was just out there getting balls back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got balls" sparingly and be mindful of your audience. While it effectively conveys admiration for someone's boldness, it's informal and can be offensive in professional or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "got balls" repeatedly in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound unprofessional and diminish the impact of the phrase. Opt for synonyms like "has courage" or "is bold" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got balls" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who exhibits courage, audacity, or a willingness to take risks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness while highlighting its informal nature. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got balls" is an idiomatic expression used to commend someone's courage or audacity. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct but notes its informality, making it unsuitable for professional or formal contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media sources. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "has courage" or "is bold" are more appropriate. Overuse of "got balls" can diminish its impact and make writing sound unprofessional. While effective in conveying admiration for boldness, mindful application is crucial to avoid unintended offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has guts

Similar in meaning, but slightly less vulgar and more commonly used.

has nerve

Suggests a daring or brazen quality.

has courage

A more formal and direct way of expressing bravery.

has grit

Highlights resilience and strength of character.

shows bravery

Highlights the act of demonstrating courage.

is bold

Focuses on the characteristic of being daring and unafraid.

is daring

Focuses on the willingness to take risks.

is fearless

Emphasizes the lack of fear in the person's actions.

is audacious

Implies a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

is plucky

Indicates a spirited and determined courage.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "got balls"?

When someone says a person "got balls", it means that person is courageous, bold, or daring, often in the face of adversity or challenge. It's an informal expression of admiration for someone's bravery.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "got balls" in a professional setting?

Generally, no. The phrase "got balls" is considered informal and potentially vulgar. In professional settings, it is better to use more formal alternatives such as "shows bravery", "has courage", or "is bold".

What's a less offensive way to say someone "got balls"?

Instead of saying someone "got balls", you could say they "have nerve", "are audacious", or "show bravery". These alternatives convey a similar meaning without using potentially offensive language.

How can I use "got balls" in a sentence?

You can use "got balls" to express admiration for someone's courage. For example, "She really got balls standing up to the CEO like that." Remember, however, to consider your audience and the context, as the phrase is informal.