51Թ

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View synonyms for

spunk

[ spuhngk ]

noun

  1. pluck; spirit; mettle.
  2. touchwood, tinder, or punk.


spunk

/ ʌŋ /

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 touchwood or tinder, esp originally made from various spongy types of fungus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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܲ԰쾱, adverb
  • ˈܲ԰, adjective
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ܲ԰l adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of spunk1

1530–40; blend of spark 1 and obsolete funk spark, touchwood (cognate with Dutch vonk, German Funke )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of spunk1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

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

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

From

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

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

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