spunk

Lorelai’s spunk is presented as a secret to her success: Having been a teen mom, she drips with “up by your bootstraps” energy.

From Slate ● Apr. 14, 2025

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 Seattle Times ● May 16, 2024

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 Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2024

Indeed, Kansara plays Ria with spunk and a youthful vigor that makes it hard not to reminisce on one's own adolescent years.

From Salon ● Apr. 29, 2023

But I’ll admit I like seeing this spunk in Mama.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

An' the haill apotheck lay in spails, As the grey mear warsled free; An' when auld Jock Smairt saw the fashion o' his cairt: "Wha's seekin' ony spunks?" says he.

From The Auld Doctor and other Poems and Songs in Scots by David Rorie

The Advocate, who is not without some spunks of a remainder decency, has wrung your life-safe out of Simon and the Duke.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 11 (of 25) by Robert Louis Stevenson

Then some person invented strips of wood dipped in sulphur and called "spunks."

From Home Life in Colonial Days by Alice Morse Earle

But I ain't got to the wonders none as yet,' reemonstrates the Colonel, who spunks up a bit peevish for him.

From Wolfville Nights by Alfred Henry Lewis

She spunks up and her eyes sparkles whenever she thinks about that there tobaccer trust.

From Danny's Own Story by Don Marquis