gutsy

/ˈgʌtsi/

/ˈgʌtsi/

Other forms: gutsier; gutsiest; gutsily

If someone's gutsy, they're bold and spirited. The gutsy pilot Amelia Earhart defied cultural expectations and braved dangerous situations to set many records in aviation.

Beyond their courage and bravery, a gutsy person also has grit and determination, often facing several challenges at once. A gutsy athlete plays through pain, and a gutsy activist confronts challenges head-on and keeps working for the cause she believes in. Around 1800, gutsy meant "greedy," but by the end of the 19th century it came to be defined as "brave and plucky," from the figurative "spirits or courage" sense of guts.

Definitions of gutsy

1. adjective

   marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited
   “it was a gutsy thing to do”

   “"the gutsy...intensity of her musical involvement"-Judith Crist”

   “a gutsy red wine”

   synonyms: plucky

   antonyms:

   gutless

   lacking courage or vitality