digital courage
The sense of being able or emboldened to say something to someone over digital media (text, instant message, etc.) that one would not normally say face to face.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He used digital courage to send a brave text to his boss.”
“I have enough digital courage to ask my crush out over a text.”
“Online trolls often use digital courage to say mean things to strangers.”
“She felt a sudden surge of digital courage and finally sent the message she had been avoiding for weeks.”
“After two years of silence, she found the digital courage to send her former best friend an apology through a social media message.”
“The customer showed a lot of digital courage by writing a harsh review, even though he was polite during the meal.”
“The safety of the screen provided him with the digital courage to confront his colleague about the misunderstanding, a conversation he would have avoided in person.”
Attested from the late 20th century, the term is a modern formation modelled on the earlier Dutch courage or liquid courage. It replaces the traditional catalyst of alcohol with the anonymity of the computer screen.
- 01
courage of one's convictions
Steadfast adherence to one's beliefs or principles, especially in the face of criticism or other opposition.
- 02
Dutch courage
The courage or bravado induced by alcohol.
- 03
liquid courage
Alcohol drunk to induce a feeling of courage.
- 04
take one's courage in both hands
To summon up one's courage in readiness for a difficult or dangerous action.
Last updated August 10, 2026