spunky

[spuhng-kee]

adjective, spunk·i·er, spunk·i·est.

Origin of spunky

First recorded in 1780–90; spunk + -y¹

Related formsspunk·i·ly, adverbspunk·i·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Spunky and adventurous, Cricket epitomized the “high-risk lifestyle” law enforcement would later describe.
Who's Murdering the Prostitutes of Albuquerque?
Sally Denton
April 27, 2009

That's Spunky Pete and no other,' says I, tumbling into my clothes and grabbing a lantern.
Poppea of the Post-Office
Mabel Osgood Wright
Spunky Jack made no reply to this, but took the letter and sat down.
The Four Corners in Japan
Amy Ella Blanchard
"Spunky little sister," encouraged the elder girl, and helped the other to the seat.
The Plow-Woman
Eleanor Gates

"courageous, spirited," 1786, from spunk + -y (2).