tough cookie

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough cookie" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who is resilient, determined, and/or unyielding. For example, "That guy overcame such adversity; he's really a tough cookie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm sure Cookie is a tough cookie, and she'll recover from this".

The New York Times

A tough cookie then?

Independent

I'm a tough cookie.

The Guardian - Sport

"She's a tough cookie".

The New York Times - Style

(Obstinate tough cookie. Divorced).

The New York Times - Arts

He was one tough cookie.

The New Yorker

Okay, he's a tough cookie.

The Washington Post

He is a tough cookie.

The Guardian - Sport

She's really a tough cookie.

The New Yorker

"Larry said he was a tough cookie.

The New Yorker

Zal calls his mother a tough cookie.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough cookie" to describe someone who displays resilience in the face of adversity. It's an informal expression best suited for conversational or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tough cookie" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "resilient individual" or "determined person" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough cookie" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It characterizes someone as resilient and strong. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tough cookie" is a common and generally positive idiom used to describe someone who is resilient and strong-willed. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for informal contexts like news articles or casual conversations. More formal situations may call for alternatives like "resilient individual". The phrase is primarily used to express admiration for someone's ability to withstand hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resilient individual

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties; less idiomatic.

determined person

Highlights the firm decision to achieve a goal, omitting the aspect of resilience.

strong-willed character

Emphasizes the firmness of will and independence.

unyielding individual

Stresses the inability to be swayed or influenced; more formal.

hardened soul

Suggests emotional toughness, often from difficult experiences.

indomitable spirit

Highlights the spirit that cannot be subdued or defeated; more literary.

unflappable person

Focuses on remaining calm and composed in difficult situations.

formidable opponent

Emphasizes being challenging to face or overcome; often in a competitive context.

tenacious individual

Highlights persistence and determination in holding onto something.

resolute character

Focuses on being firmly determined; somewhat formal.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone a "tough cookie"?

Calling someone a "tough cookie" means they are resilient, strong-willed, and able to endure hardship without easily giving up. It suggests admiration for their fortitude.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tough cookie"?

The phrase "tough cookie" is appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations, journalistic writing, or when describing someone you admire for their resilience. Avoid using it in formal or academic contexts.

Are there any negative connotations to calling someone a "tough cookie"?

Generally, calling someone a "tough cookie" is a compliment. However, in some contexts, it could imply that the person is stubborn or difficult to deal with. The specific implication depends on the tone and context.

What are some alternative phrases for "tough cookie"?

You can use alternatives like "resilient individual", "determined person", or "strong-willed character" depending on the context.