What does feisty mean Meaning and Definition
What does feisty mean
Pronunciation
/ˈfaɪsti/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having or showing a strong and energetic personality; lively and determined; spirited.
Examples
- The feisty old lady was not afraid to speak her mind.
- He had a feisty argument with his brother over the weekend.
Synonyms
- Spunky
- Fiery
- Plucky
Antonyms
- Mild
- Calm
- Meek
Additional Information
Feisty is often used to describe someone who is confident, energetic, and not afraid to take risks. It can also be used to describe an argument or debate that is lively and intense. In some cases, feisty can have a slightly negative connotation, implying that someone is being overly aggressive or confrontational.
Feisty is often used in informal contexts, such as in social media, blogs, and casual conversations. It is less commonly used in formal writing, such as in academic or professional contexts.
The word “feisty” originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. It is likely derived from the Scottish word “fisty,” which means “full of spirit” or “lively.”
Usage Notes
Feisty is often used to add emphasis or personality to a description. For example, “She’s a feisty entrepreneur” or “He’s a feisty debater.”
Cultural References
- The word “feisty” was popularized by the TV show “Survivor” in the early 2000s, where contestants were often described as “feisty” or “having a feisty attitude.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Feisty debate” – a lively and intense argument.
- “Feisty attitude” – a strong and confident personality.
Related Words or Phrases
- Feistiness
- Spunk
- Pluck
Collocations
- feisty argument
- feisty attitude
- feisty personality
Frequency of Use
The word “feisty” is moderately common in modern language, with an average frequency of use of 0.05 per million words.
Common Misspellings
- fisty
- fiesty
- feistiy