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 touchwood or tinder, esp originally made from various spongy types of fungus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

Derived Forms

• ˈspunkily, adverb
• ˈspunky, adjective

Other Words From

• spunkless 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

A good ol’ Texas kid with spunk.

From Los Angeles Times

She did a good job of bringing Winehouse’s spunk, vulnerability and big-as-her-hair personality to the screen; a scene of her getting emotional in the studio while recording the song “Back to Black” was particularly moving.

From Seattle Times

“Coastal Funk” brings together work by Robert Arneson, one of funk’s godfathers, and contemporary artists keeping the spunk of funk alive.

From Seattle Times

She was a successful writer in New York City with an impossibly expensive wardrobe, a singular style, good friends and a lot of spunk.

From Los Angeles Times

Here two dancers costumed as the critters cleverly act the tale, and they continue to devilishly pop up throughout, adding needed fanciful color and spunk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fortitude
• grit
• gumption
• guts
• mettle
• moxie
• toughness