spunk

[spuhngk]

noun

1. pluck; spirit; mettle.

2. touchwood, tinder, or punk.

spunk

/ spʌŋk /

noun

1. informal,  courage or spirit

2. a slang word for semen

3. touchwood or tinder, esp originally made from various spongy types of fungus

4. informal,  a person, esp male, who is sexually attractive

Usage

The second sense of this word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Other Word Forms

• spunkless adjective
• spunkily adverb
• spunky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spunk¹

1530–40; blend of spark ¹ and obsolete funk spark, touchwood (cognate with Dutch vonk, German Funke )

Word History and Origins

Origin of spunk¹

C16 (in the sense: a spark): from Scottish Gaelic spong tinder, sponge, from Latin spongia sponge

Example Sentences

Fulton said she began to receive “love letters” from fans who admired the character’s spunk.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike the new kid who’s got spunk and talent, Sonny has the competence to back up his flair.

From Salon

Those recordings hold up for their crystalline sound and youthful spunk.

From Los Angeles Times

Owing to her Western spunk, talent for deduction, ability to identify a tobacco scent Holmes cannot and the detective’s need for a sidekick, she’s made his assistant.

From Los Angeles Times

Socorro’s social nature, her spunk and her adaptability were likely rooted in her early childhood experiences tagging along with her father to bullfights and bars.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fortitude 
• grit 
• gumption 
• guts www.thesaurus.com
• mettle 
• moxie 
• toughness