moxie
moxie
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑksi/
mox: /mɑks/
/m/ - voiced bilabial nasal
/ɑ/ - open back unrounded vowel
/ks/ - voiceless velar stop + voiceless alveolar sibilant fricative
ie: /i/
/i/ - close front unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
moxie (noun):
This is the standard form. It represents courage, spirit, or determination.
It is typically used as an uncountable noun. Therefore you would not say "moxies".
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
moxie (noun):
Definition 1:
A spirited determination and resilient courage, particularly when faced with challenges or adversity.
Example: "She showed real moxie when she presented her controversial proposal."
Synonyms:
grit
pluck
fortitude
nerve
spirit
audacity
Antonyms:
timidity
cowardice
apathy
indecision
fearfulness
Definition 2:
A combination of energy, enthusiasm, and practical skill, often demonstrated in a lively or confident manner.
Example: "He handled the difficult client with impressive moxie."
Synonyms:
vigor
verve
pep
savvy
know-how
vitality
Antonyms:
lethargy
incompetence
listlessness
weakness
Examples of Use
In News and Online Publications:
"But on the key points, Williams's moxie and motor won the day." (New York Times, 16 Feb. 2021)
"The Colts showed some moxie in Tennessee for three quarters on Monday and haven't been a pushover." (NOLA.com, 17 Oct. 2017)
"He's seen as a tough shot-maker who can bail them out of jams late in the clock and has the moxie to match it." (The Indianapolis Star, 31 July 2021)
"The Moderna moxie might be due to how much viruslike stuff is in each dose as well." (The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2021)
"Raccoons, with their five-fingered paws and scrappy brand of moxie, are in a league of their own." (Smithsonian, 9 July 2018)
In Entertainment:
The word is used to describe characters in films and television shows that display boldness. For example, describing a character that shows a lot of grit, and determination.
"At least Midge still has her marvelous wardrobe, and an endless supply of moxie." (EW.com, 18 Feb. 2022) This shows the use of the word to describe a character's personality.
General Public Discourse:
"That person has a lot of moxie!" This is a common phrase used in everyday conversation to commend someone's courage or determination.
In business settings, "moxie" might be used to describe an entrepreneur's drive or a team's ability to overcome obstacles.
Important Context:
It is very important to remember the origin of the word. It comes from a soft drink. That context is very important to the word's history.
The word is used to describe a personality trait. So it is used when people are describing a person, or groups of people.
10 Famous Quotes Using Moxie
“Success belongs to those with enough moxie to try when others hesitate.” (Unknown)
“You don’t need permission when you’ve got moxie.” (Unknown)
“Talent opens doors, but moxie walks you through them.” (Unknown)
“A little moxie can outmuscle a lot of doubt.” (Unknown)
“The underdog wins not by strength alone, but by stubborn moxie.” (Unknown)
“Moxie is courage with a grin.” (Unknown)
“When skill runs out, moxie carries you the rest of the way.” (Unknown)
“History favors those with moxie enough to stand alone.” (Unknown)
“You can’t teach moxie; you either summon it or you don’t.” (Unknown)
“Every breakthrough has a moment where moxie matters more than certainty.” (Unknown)
Etymology
The Original "Moxie":
The word "moxie" actually started as the name of a patent medicine (like a health tonic) and then a soft drink. It was invented by a man named Dr. Augustin Thompson in Lowell, Massachusetts, around 1876.
He claimed it had health benefits, and it became very popular. The original "Moxie Nerve Food" was marketed as a cure for "nervousness."
From Drink to Trait:
Because the drink was marketed as something that gave you "nerve" and energy, people started using the word "moxie" to describe those qualities in a person.
So, over time, "moxie" shifted from being the name of a product to describing a personal characteristic: courage, spirit, and determination.
Essentially, the marketing of the drink, and the claims of it providing "nerve" caused the word to be adopted to describe a person with "nerve".
First Known Use:
The first known use of "moxie" as a personality trait developed in the early 20th century, as the drink's popularity grew.
In short, "moxie" went from being a brand name for a fizzy drink to a word that describes someone who's got guts and energy. It's a great example of how a product's name can become a part of our everyday language.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Moxie
Why "Moxie" Is Different:
Specificity:
"Moxie" describes a specific personality trait. It's not a concrete object or action, which makes it less likely to appear in common idioms.
Modern Usage:
While the word has been around for a while, its current widespread use, especially among younger generations, is more recent, particularly with the rise of the movie "Moxie". Therefore it hasn't had the time to be ingrained into as many idioms.
What We Can Do:
Descriptive Phrases:
Instead of idioms, "moxie" is more often used in descriptive phrases:
"She's got moxie."
"To have a lot of moxie."
"That took some moxie."
"Full of moxie"
Synonymous Idioms:
To capture the spirit of "moxie," we can look at idioms that express similar qualities:
"To have grit."
"To have guts."
"To have nerves."
"To show your mettle."
"To stand your ground."
"To go the extra mile."
Original Phrases:
"To bring the moxie." (this would be used when a person brings a determined attitude to a situation)
"To have moxie in spades." (this is used to show a person has a very large amount of moxie)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of moxie from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
