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(A proofreader's note regarding “affront” and “effrontery”)
“Affront” and “effront” were the verbs that preceded
The nouns that our title has shown.
“To treat with affront” or “effrontery,” likewise,
Were meanings that came to be known.
“Affront” and “effrontery” boast more than friendship
Since “front” as a parent they share.
Its meanings as “forehead,” “expression,” and “countenance,”
Explain why these nouns are so near.
The “front” meant the “face” as expressive of character,
And “frontless” was “shameless” indeed.
“Effrontery” speaks of this lack in one's character,
The attitude therein perceived.
It means “shameless boldness” and “shameless audacity”;
“Impertinence,” “insolence” as well.
This attitude harbored enables an act
That defies what would socially compel.
“Affront” as a thing that was “openly offensive”
Evolved from “a slap in the face.”
While meaning today “a deliberate offense,”
It refers to the act, not its base.
“'The syllables, dearie!' the teacher then shouted,
'Effrontery clearly has four.'
Affront not intended, effrontery neither,
She smiled as if all to adore.”
“But charged with effrontery, guided by temper,
His actions seemed totally mad.
His enemy, though, would discern the affront
And then wonder if he had been had.”