Hall of Audacity

Every so often, a story crosses our desk that isn't just newsworthy — it's audacious. Someone did something bold enough, brazen enough, or (sometimes) admirable enough that a normal headline just doesn't capture it. That's what the Audacimeter is for.

It's a simple 1–12 scale we attach to certain articles. Levels 1–6 are Bad Audacity — audacity in the "nerve of some people" sense, running from mildly cheeky up to maximally brazen. Levels 7–12 are Good Audacity — the admirable kind, from a pleasantly bold move up to genuinely heroic boldness. This page is the permanent record: the most extreme stories on each end of the scale, plus every rated story we've ever published, browsable and filterable below.

Bad Audacity

Level 1 — A Little Cheeky
A small, fairly harmless bit of audacity — mildly bold, nothing outrageous.
Level 2 — Raised Eyebrows
Bold enough that people noticed and had opinions about it.
Level 3 — Bold Move
A genuinely bold or brazen act — clearly deliberate, hard to ignore.
Level 4 — Nerve of Some People
Audacity that leaves onlookers audibly reacting.
Level 5 — Jaw-Dropping
The kind of audacity people talk about for a while.
Level 6 — Maximum Audacity
Total, unrestrained audacity. As audacious as they get.

Good Audacity

Level 7 — Pleasantly Bold
A small, welcome bit of daring — bold in a genuinely admirable way.
Level 8 — Gutsy And Good
Took a real risk for the right reasons, and it showed.
Level 9 — Admirably Brave
A clearly courageous move that earned people's respect.
Level 10 — Inspiring Nerve
Audacity that leaves onlookers genuinely moved or inspired.
Level 11 — Heroic Boldness
Exceptionally courageous — good audacity people remember for a while.
Level 12 — Maximum Good Audacity
Unrestrained audacity — used entirely for good. As admirable as they can get.