Guts

Guts is a term with several related meanings in English. In anatomy, guts refers to the internal organs of the digestive system, especially the intestines. The gastrointestinal tract runs from the mouth to the anus and includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In common usage, the word gut can also refer more generally to the abdomen or viscera. The gut hosts a complex microbiome and plays a role in digestion, immunity, and signaling within the body.

The term guts is also used figuratively to denote courage or resolve. Phrases such as “having guts” or “showing guts” describe someone who acts decisively or boldly in challenging situations. The related expression “gut feeling” or “gut instinct” refers to an intuitive judgment, though such impressions are not always reliable.

In popular culture, Guts is the name of a central character in the Japanese manga series Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura. The protagonist, known as the Black Swordsman, is a mercenary renowned for his physical prowess, distinctive large sword, and a troubled past that drives much of the series’ narrative.

Other uses of the term can appear in fiction, music, and brands, often drawing on the dual sense of physical guts and metaphorical courage. The word remains common in everyday language as well as in medical and literary contexts.