Feisty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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feisty

[ˈfaɪsti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

a feisty attitude

Having a lively, determined, and courageous attitude or character.

Synonyms

bold, fierce, plucky, spirited, spunky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
feisty	Use 'feisty' to describe someone who is lively, determined, and energetic, often in a spirited or challenging way. She's a feisty little girl who won't back down from a challenge. That feisty kitten always gets into mischief.
spirited	Use 'spirited' to describe someone who is full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination. The spirited debate lasted for hours. His spirited performance brought the audience to its feet.
spunky	Use 'spunky' to describe someone who is courageous, lively, and full of spirit. It often suggests a small or young person showing surprising courage or determination. The spunky little dog never hesitated to defend its owner. Her spunky attitude makes her a joy to be around.
plucky	Use 'plucky' to describe someone who is brave and determined, often in the face of difficulties. Despite the odds, the plucky young journalist uncovered the truth. She's a plucky adventurer, always up for a new challenge.
bold	Use 'bold' to describe someone who is confident and willing to take risks or face danger. He made a bold decision to quit his job and travel the world. Her bold fashion choices really make her stand out.
fierce	Use 'fierce' to describe someone who has strong intensity, passion, or aggressiveness. This can sometimes have a negative connotation if it describes aggression. She was a fierce competitor on the soccer field. His fierce temper often gets him into trouble.

Examples of usage

She has a feisty personality that always stands out in a crowd.
Despite her small size, the feisty little dog was not afraid to stand up to bigger animals.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

feisty debate

Showing strong, determined, and sometimes aggressive behavior in a discussion or argument.

Synonyms

argumentative, combative, contentious, contrary, quarrelsome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
feisty	Describes someone who is lively, determined, and courageous, often in a spirited or challenging manner. It can have a positive connotation when referring to someone with a strong and energetic personality. Despite her small stature, she is quite feisty and stands up for herself. The feisty kitten played with the ball of yarn with great enthusiasm.
argumentative	Used to describe someone who frequently argues or enjoys engaging in debates. This term often implies a tendency towards confrontation and can have a negative connotation. He is so argumentative that it's hard to have a peaceful conversation with him. Her argumentative nature made her a formidable opponent in the debate team.
combative	Refers to someone who is eager to fight or argue. It emphasizes a readiness for conflict and can be used to describe both physical and verbal confrontations. His combative attitude often leads to unnecessary conflicts at work. The combative boxer prepared for his match with intense training.
contentious	Describes something or someone that tends to cause or provoke arguments and disputes. Often used in a legal or formal context, this term carries a negative connotation. The contentious issue of climate change legislation was hotly debated in the parliament. Their contentious relationship was marked by frequent disagreements and disputes.
contrary	Describes a person who is inclined to oppose or contradict others. It can be used to highlight someone's tendency to be uncooperative or difficult. This term often carries a negative connotation. She is so contrary that she always takes the opposite stance just to be difficult. His contrary opinions often put him at odds with his colleagues.
quarrelsome	Refers to someone who is prone to arguing and fighting. This word has a distinctly negative connotation, indicating a tendency towards frequent and unnecessary conflicts. Their quarrelsome nature makes them hard to get along with. He became more quarrelsome after he started working overtime every day.

Examples of usage

The feisty debate between the two politicians lasted for hours.
She is known for her feisty arguments and never backs down easily.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies have shown that having a feisty personality can often lead to greater resilience, helping individuals navigate stress better.
People described as feisty may also exhibit higher levels of assertiveness, making them effective advocates for themselves.

Pop Culture

The concept of a feisty character often appears in films and books, representing strong female characters who defy expectations and take charge.
Many famous animated characters, like Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid', showcase feisty traits, being headstrong and adventurous.

Social Dynamics

In social interactions, those with a feisty demeanor can be perceived as more likable and approachable, often bringing a sense of fun to conversations.
Feisty individuals may encourage others to express themselves more freely, creating dynamic group discussions.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, being feisty is viewed positively, as it suggests a sense of empowerment and independence, especially among women.
However, in some cultures, it could be considered negative, as it may clash with traditional views of humility and modesty.

Origin of 'feisty'

Main points about word origin

The term 'feisty' is believed to come from the late 19th century, possibly derived from 'feist', a Middle English word for a small dog.
One theory suggests that it originally described the spirited nature of these small hunting dogs, known for their plucky attitudes.

The word 'feisty' originated in the United States around the mid-19th century. It is believed to be derived from the word 'feist', meaning a small dog, which comes from the German 'fist', meaning 'stink'. Over time, 'feisty' evolved to describe a lively, determined, and courageous attitude or behavior in humans.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,210, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29207 invoicing
29208 perked
29209 stank
29210 feisty
29211 steroidal
29212 safflower
29213 minuet
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