oomph

[oomf]

noun

Informal.

1. energy; vitality; enthusiasm.

2. sex appeal.

oomph

/ ʊmf /

noun

1. enthusiasm, vigour, or energy

2. sex appeal

Word History and Origins

Origin of oomph¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; imitative of the sound made during exertion, as in lifting a heavy object

Word History and Origins

Origin of oomph¹

C20: perhaps imitative of the bellow of a mating bull

Example Sentences

Some of her own MPs have grumbled privately that she has lacked oomph and cut-through in her opening months in the job.

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"I said, 'Mr President I agree with you, I'm just hoping Mike has got the oomph to pull this off,'" Norman said.

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It was cheerful and rhymed but lacked oomph.

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Daniels and Chase brought more oomph to their characters’ romantic entanglement, which has left Lady Larken happily if inconveniently with child, a springboard for the whole screwy marital plot.

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I DO press the tea bag to extract more "oomph" from it and this is a big no-no for some who believe it will make your tea bitter.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• fortitude 
• pep 
• potency 
• stamina 
• vigor 
• vitality 
• zest 
• zip