Feisty

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪsti

Origin

1896, American, feist("small, aggressive dog") + -y;

Online Etymology Dictionary

the term feist (now rare) itself originally meant “stink”, and earlier “fart”, from Middle English, from Old English, from Proto-Germanic, presumably from Proto-Indo-European – see feist for details.

Full definition of feisty

Adjective

1. Tenacious, energetic, spunky.
2. Belligerent; prepared to stand and fight, especially in spite of relatively small stature or some other disadvantage.
3. Easily offended and ready to bicker.

Derived terms

• feistily
• feistiness