Plucky
/ˈplʌki/noun
Having or showing determined courage and spirit.
Did you know?The word is tied to the old verb *pluck*, which could mean to snatch or strike sharply, so its modern meaning of bold spirit grew out of the idea of forceful action rather than softness.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
pluccian
“to pluck, pull off, or strip away”
Middle English
ME
plucken
“to pull, snatch, or strike sharply”
16th Century
English
pluck
“courage, spirit, or resolve”
19th Century
English
plucky
“showing courage, nerve, or spirited determination”
Modern English
English
plucky
“courageous in a spirited, often upbeat way”
Explore more surprising origins