Having strong, energetic, or enthusiastic qualities; often related to appetite or vigor, or sometimes to sexual desire.
From Middle English 'lusty' derived from 'lust' (from Old Norse 'lyst' meaning appetite or desire). It originally meant vigorous or healthy in the 13th century.
The word 'lusty' has shifted meanings—it used to be a compliment meaning someone was strong and healthy, but now it often implies excessive sexual appetite, showing how words' connotations change over time.
Historically, 'lusty' applied to men suggests vigor/appetite (celebrated), while applied to women it signals impropriety or sexual excess (condemned). The double standard reflects different moral frameworks imposed by gender.
Use 'vigorous,' 'energetic,' or 'enthusiastic' for neutral descriptors; specify context (appetite, sound, etc.) rather than relying on gendered subtext.
["vigorous","energetic","enthusiastic","hearty"]
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