Having courage, determination, and a lively spirit despite being small or facing challenges.
From 'spunk' (courage/spirit), which comes from Gaelic 'spong' (tinder/spark). The word suggests having spark or fire inside you.
The word 'spunky' is almost always used for underdogs or smaller beings who shouldn't win but do anyway—think Spunky the dog in 'Our Gang' or how fans describe small athletes who punch above their weight!
Used to describe women as frisky or having pluck, often patronizing. Carries diminishing connotations when applied to adult women professionals or leaders, implying charm over competence.
Use 'spunky' sparingly for any gender; prefer 'energetic,' 'determined,' or 'resilient' for professional/serious contexts to avoid undermining credibility.
["energetic","resilient","determined","spirited"]
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