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Spunky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spunky

[ˈspʌŋki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

energetic

Full of spirit, energy, and determination; lively and enthusiastic.

Synonyms

bold, dynamic, feisty, spirited, vivacious.

Examples of usage

  • She had a spunky personality that always brightened up the room.
  • Despite her small size, she had a spunky attitude that helped her succeed in life.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person with a courageous and determined attitude.

Synonyms

bold, brave, courageous, determined, fearless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spunky

Use when describing someone with a lively, spirited personality often in the face of challenges.

  • Despite her small stature, she was spunky and always ready for adventure
brave

Use when referring to someone who faces fear or danger with strength and valor.

  • The firefighter was brave, rescuing the child from the burning building
courageous

Use in formal contexts to describe a person showing great courage in difficult situations.

  • She gave a courageous speech about overcoming personal struggles
determined

Use to describe someone who is firm in their decision and persistent in achieving goals.

  • Despite many setbacks, he remained determined to finish his degree
fearless

Use for someone who shows an absence of fear, often in dangerous or challenging situations.

  • The explorer was fearless as he ventured into uncharted territory
bold

Use when describing actions or people that are confident and take risks.

  • His bold decision to start the company from scratch paid off in the end

Examples of usage

  • She's a real spunky, always standing up for what she believes in.
  • His spunky nature helped him overcome many obstacles in life.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The word has been embraced in various television shows and movies, often used to describe feisty female characters who stand up for themselves.
  • In the animated series 'Rugrats', the character Angelica is often described as spunky due to her bold and assertive nature.
  • Musical artists like Lizzo and Ariana Grande use themes of spunkiness in their lyrics to promote confidence and self-empowerment.

Psychology

  • Being spunky relates to resilience, as individuals with this trait often face challenges with an optimistic attitude.
  • Research suggests that spunky individuals often exhibit higher levels of motivation and are likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors.
  • Spunky behavior is linked to assertiveness, which can lead to better social interactions and leadership opportunities.

Literature

  • In classic literature, spunky characters are often depicted as heroes or heroines who defy societal expectations, like Jo March from 'Little Women'.
  • Modern novels frequently feature spunky protagonists who challenge norms, with authors using this trait to create compelling, relatable characters.
  • The term appears in poetry to convey a sense of lively spirit, often celebrating personal strength.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage children to be spunky, promoting active participation and enthusiasm in learning environments.
  • Research in education indicates that spunky students tend to inspire their peers, fostering a lively classroom atmosphere.
  • Extracurricular activities often attract spunky individuals, leading to diverse, energetic groups in sports and clubs.

Origin of 'spunky'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'spunky' is derived from 'spunk', which originally referred to a spark or tiny flame, symbolizing lively energy.
  • It first entered English in the 18th century, commonly used to describe someone with spirited behavior.
  • In some regions, 'spunk' also referred to 'courage' or 'bravery', further emphasizing the word's energetic connotation.

The word 'spunky' originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It is believed to have derived from the Scottish word 'spunk', which means spirit, courage, or determination. Over time, 'spunky' has evolved to describe someone with a lively and energetic personality, full of determination and courage.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,069, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.