  In an Euclidean SU(2) $\otimes$ U(1) gauge theory without fermions, we
identify scalar-field variables, functionals of the gauge fields and coming in
different representations of isospin, which (i) are of mass dimension one in
$d=4$, (ii) couple to their parent gauge fields through suitable
gauge-covariant derivatives, and (iii) can be endowed with a hypercharge
despite their parents having none. They can be interpreted as projections of
the gauge vectors onto an orthonormal basis that is defined by the fields
themselves. We inquire as to whether these scalars can perform the usual tasks,
normally fulfilled by external scalar fields, of spontaneous symmetry breaking
and mass generation through vacuum expectation values. The gauge Lagrangian,
expressed in terms of these scalars, automatically has quartic and cubic terms;
no extra coupling constant for quartic scalar self-interactions is needed. VEV
formation takes place in one of four scalar fields populating the classical
potential-energy minimum. There are nine massive Higgs particles, a neutral
triplet at a mass of $m_Z \sqrt{2}$, and three conjugate pairs of charged ones
at $m_W \sqrt{2}$. Seven quasi-Goldstone scalars remain massless. This results
in a qualitatively correct pattern of heavy-vector masses and mixing, with the
analog of the mixing angle determined by theory. Higgs-type hypercharge and
charge assignments emerge naturally.
