Literal Translation
To have some.. toupet?
Actual Meaning
To have some nerve
Etymology
In 16th century Italy, ‘Bravi’ were hitmen who were called upon by the great families to dispose of their enemies. They were rarely condemned thanks to their powerful protectors, but that didn’t mean they wished to be recognised! They wore a ‘toupet’, a sort of great big plait of hair which they dropped over their face at the right time. Nowadays, ‘avoir du toupet’ means to have some nerve, referring to the ‘Bravi’ who killed in cold blood for money.