Literary notes about spunky (AI summary)
The word "spunky" is employed to evoke a sense of lively, plucky spirit across a range of characters and situations. It frequently denotes a bold, energetic quality in a young man or woman whose independence and guts shine through in both admiring and humorous contexts ([1], [2], [3]). In many instances, its usage underscores an inherent feistiness combined with resilience, whether highlighting the tenacity of a spirited youth or the daring nature of an individual unafraid to challenge authority ([4], [5], [6]). At times, it even carries an affectionate tone when describing someone whose audacity and unusual charm distinguish them from their more sedate peers ([7], [8]). Ultimately, "spunky" adds a dynamic, colorful layer to literary portrayals, emphasizing a character’s inner fire and capacity for spirited action ([9], [10], [11]).
- A detective picked Asa up and prepared to follow, but that young man stiffened, the way a spunky boy sometimes does, and slid through the man's arms.
— from The Boy Scouts on a Submarine by John Blaine - “For a little one,” he murmured, looking down into her eyes, “you’re some spunky fighter, believe me!”
— from Shoe-Bar Stratton by Joseph Bushnell Ames - "He is a spunky fellow, and I'll be his second."
— from Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 by Frederick Marryat - So, dear love, you're just going to buck up and be spunky and take up your big life-task and perform it like the gentleman you are."
— from Kindred of the Dust by Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne - But even if she was spunky, I did love her, and I would give almost anything to see her again.
— from Zula by H. Esselstyn Lindley - Just feeling sort of spunky about it—just wanting to show some one that time is nothing to you—what's the hurry?
— from An American IdyllThe Life of Carleton H. Parker by Cornelia Stratton Parker - “You are a spunky little lady, I declare,” said Hugh, laughing; “but here, Jessie, suppose you try to guess my secret.
— from Jessie CarltonThe Story of a Girl who Fought with Little Impulse, theWizard, and Conquered Him by Daniel Wise - “I see you’re spunky, if you are a girl,” he said.
— from Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab by Alger, Horatio, Jr. - That only increased the opposition, and in a short time the spunky young man was compelled to resign his charge.
— from The Abolitionists Together With Personal Memories Of The Struggle For Human Rights, 1830-1864 by John F. (John Ferguson) Hume - Later in the day they told the same parties, "I'm just ashamed of myself that I got spunky about such a little thing, I wish Philip would come.
— from Divers Women by Pansy - An' as fer killin' me ," he laughed, "You look spunky 'nough to—but I'm hard to kill—it's be'n tried."
— from Snowdrift: A Story of the Land of the Strong Cold by James B. (James Beardsley) Hendryx
