aplomb
noun

- confidence and style

- complete and confident composure or self-assurance

The Cambridge Dictionary / Merriam-Webster

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WORD ORIGIN

The word "aplomb" comes directly from the French phrase à plomb, meaning "according to the plumb line" or "perpendicularly." à = to, according to, plomb = lead (the metal).

A plumb line (or plumb bob) is a weight (traditionally made of lead) suspended on a string, used by builders and craftsmen to establish a true vertical line. When something hangs "à plomb," it hangs perfectly straight and vertical - in perfect balance.

Aplomb first appeared in English around 1828, borrowed directly from French with its figurative meaning already established.

Related words:
- plumb - perfectly vertical; also to measure depth
- plumber - originally a worker with lead (Latin plumbum = lead), since lead pipes were used
- plummet - to fall straight down (like a plumb weight)

Just as a plumb line remains perfectly vertical regardless of external conditions, a person with aplomb remains perfectly composed and balanced regardless of external pressures or chaos. They don't lean, wobble, or fall - they stay true to their center of gravity.

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CELL PHONE DISRUPTION

During a performance of No Man's Land on Broadway, a cell phone rang loudly in the audience mid-scene. Without breaking character or the rhythm of the play, Ian McKellen stopped, turned to face the audience, and in his full theatrical voice declared: "If that's for me, tell them I'm busy."

The audience erupted in laughter and applause. He waited for silence with perfect timing, then seamlessly returned to the scene as if nothing had happened. The line was so perfectly pitched - acknowledging the disruption, gently chastising the offender, entertaining the audience, and reasserting control - all in seven words delivered with impeccable comic timing and aplomb.

The key to the "McKellen Maneuver" isn't just the words; it's the pause. If a phone rings, stop talking immediately. Wait three seconds. Deliver the line. Wait for the laugh to die down completely, then resume with 10% more energy than before.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

adeptness, APLOMB, assurance, backbone, calm, calm (demeanor), can-do attitude, certainty, certitude, composedness, composure, confidence, control, conviction, cool-headedness, ease, elan, equanimity, even-mindedness, faith in oneself, fearlessness, imperturbability, inner peace (strength), intestinal fortitude, level-headedness, mental balance (equilibrium, repose), poise, presence of mind, sangfroid, savoir faire, self-assurance (-assuredness, -belief, -command, -composedness, -composure, -confidence, -constraint, -control, -discipline, -esteem, -mastery, -possession, -reliance, -trust, -worth), stoicism, stolidity, stolidness, strength of character mind, will), suaveness, sureness, surety, trust in oneself, unflappability, urbanity

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SMUGGLE
 OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“I guess we all hope to have enough presence of mind to respond to embarrassing situations with APLOMB.”

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D