spunk
UK: spʌŋk | US: spʌŋk
n. courage, determination, or spirited energy
n. (informal) semen
n. (archaic) a spark or fragment of fire
The word "spunk" traces back to Scottish Gaelic "spong," meaning "tinder" or "a spark." Over time, it evolved metaphorically in English to describe fiery courage or vitality (16th century). The informal sense referring to semen emerged later (18th century), likely due to associations with vitality. The original fiery connotation survives in archaic usage.
She showed real spunk by standing up to the bullies.
The team played with spunk, despite being underdogs.
(Archaic) A spunk of flame leaped from the dying fire.
(Informal, vulgar) The joke relied on crude references to spunk.
His spunk and humor made him a natural leader.