gall
UK: ɡɔːl | US: ɡɔːl
n. 1. Bile; a bitter fluid secreted by the liver.
n. 2. Bitterness or resentment.
n. 3. Audacity or impudence.
vt. 1. To irritate or annoy.
vt. 2. To make sore by rubbing.
The word "gall" traces back to Old English gealla, meaning "bile" or "bitter secretion." Its Proto-Germanic root gallǭ is linked to bitterness, both literal (bile) and figurative (resentment). Over time, "gall" expanded metaphorically to describe audacity (likely from the notion of "bitter boldness"). The verb form emerged from the idea of irritation, akin to bile's corrosive nature.
The medicine tasted like pure gall.
His unfair criticism filled her with gall.
She had the gall to interrupt the speaker.
The tight shoes galled his heels.
His arrogance galls everyone in the office.