Plucky

Plucky is an adjective describing someone who shows determined courage and spirited resourcefulness in the face of difficulty. A plucky person acts with perseverance and optimism, often with a cheerful or defiant attitude. The term can describe people, animals, or actions and is common in journalism and fiction to acknowledge grit without glamour.

Etymology and sense: Plucky derives from the noun pluck, meaning nerve or spirited determination, with usage dating from the late 19th century in English. The sense emphasizes resilience, resolve, and the ability to improvise under pressure.

Usage: In British and American English, plucky is generally positive and slightly affectionate. It is often applied to underdog figures, rescues, or performances that demonstrate steadfastness more than brute force. Collocations include "plucky hero/heroine," "plucky rescue," and "plucky performance."

Related terms: pluck (noun/verb), pluckiness (less common), pluckily (adverb). Antonyms include cowardly, timid, faint-hearted. In cultural contexts, "plucky" is used to celebrate perseverance and can appear in critiques of literature, film, and real-world endeavors.

Example: The plucky team rallied after the setback and secured a surprising victory.