feisty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feisty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is spirited, lively, or has a strong personality, often in a bold or aggressive way. Example: "Despite her small stature, she has a feisty attitude that commands attention in any room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their accomplishments were even more impressive given that, just after the first leg, they had won an energy-sapping and unsurprisingly feisty Scottish Cup semi-final against Dundee at Tynecastle.

The Guardian - Sport

As someone who has been described as "small, but feisty" on more than one occasion, the blue tit and I are kindred spirits," she said.

The Guardian

Do the rats get feisty in the heat?

The Guardian

So, in little more than a fortnight, she banged out a play about a feisty Salford girl, Jo, who is left alone by her flighty mum one Christmas, goes to bed with a transient Nigerian sailor, gets pregnant and is lovingly tended by an effeminate art student.

The Guardian

Without Von Furstenberg's heritage, the fashion industry might have tired of a brand that riffs endlessly on the theme of the feisty independent woman.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scarlett O' Hara is a feisty teenage girl, with everything a girl could possibly want.

The Guardian

England lost their grip once again on Australia's slippery middle order in a slack post-lunch session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but there was some consolation in a feisty bowling performance as the clouds gathered later in the day, and no great surprise that it should be Ben Stokes who provided a sense of incision against the tail.

The Guardian - Sport

The hardcore American myths of fighting rivals, making it and escaping the hood mingle with the swagger, anxiety and wariness of an English black man born in broken Peckham in the early 1980s, raised by a feisty single mum, a father himself at 21, who ended up spending two years in jail on gun charges, numbly emerging in 2005 with a plan to better himself.

The Guardian - Music

And it was not long before she and feisty Hefina in a tour de force performance became spokeswomen for their community.

The Guardian - Film

But one day Xanthe arrives - cool, urban and feisty.

The Guardian

We have a lot in common, but we also have a feisty relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Feisty" can sometimes imply aggression, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

While "feisty" can be effective, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "spirited" or "spunky" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The word "feisty" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something possessing qualities of spiritedness, energy, and a readiness to stand up for themselves. This is supported by Ludwig, which presents numerous examples of its adjectival use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feisty" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjective that describes someone energetic, spirited, and unafraid to stand up for themselves, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its frequent appearance in news and media, as shown in Ludwig examples, indicates its general acceptability and understanding. While generally positive, consider the context to avoid unintended implications of aggression, and remember to diversify your vocabulary with synonyms like "spirited" or "spunky".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spirited

Focuses on the liveliness and enthusiasm of someone.

spunky

Highlights the courage and determination of a person.

plucky

Emphasizes bravery and willingness to face challenges.

lively

Describes someone full of energy and enthusiasm.

scrappy

Suggests a willingness to fight and compete.

combative

Highlights an eagerness to argue or fight.

belligerent

Emphasizes aggressiveness and hostility.

argumentative

Focuses on the tendency to argue.

pugnacious

Suggests a readiness to fight or argue.

contentious

Highlights a tendency to cause arguments.

FAQs

How can I use "feisty" in a sentence?

You can use "feisty" to describe a person or animal that is spirited, energetic, and often combative. For example, "She was a feisty debater who never backed down from a challenge."

What are some synonyms for "feisty"?

Alternatives to "feisty" include "spirited", "spunky", "plucky", and "lively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feisty" a formal or informal word?

"Feisty" is generally considered an informal word. It's suitable for casual conversation and less formal writing, but may not be appropriate for academic or professional contexts that require a more serious tone.

What's the difference between "feisty" and "aggressive"?

"Feisty" implies energy and spirit, with a hint of combativeness, while "aggressive" suggests a more forceful and hostile approach. "Feisty" is often used in a positive or admiring way, while "aggressive" usually carries a negative connotation.