Make Your Point > Archived Issues > MOXIE
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pronounce
MOXIE:
Say it "MOCK see."
To hear it, click here.
connect this word to others:
Moxie is one of those hip American words that started out as slang, then gained sophistication as the decades went by. They're still hip, but now they're hip and retro.
Like t__y, meaning "cool, trendy, stylish, swanky, and fashionable." Can you recall that one? It dates back to 1877, and it often describes neighborhoods and restaurants.
(To reveal any word with blanks, give it a click.)
definition:
"Moxie" might ultimately come from a word in a Native American language meaning "dark water."
Whether or not that's true, we know for sure that "Moxie" entered English as the name of a soft drink first made in Massachusetts around 1876. The drink, which is sweet with a bitter aftertaste, was marketed back then as a medicine, as "Moxie Nerve Food." The makers claimed it could cure all kinds of woes, like sleeplessness and nervousness. But, you know, it was just soda.
It was popular, though, and so by about 1890, the word "moxie" had entered American slang. If you've got moxie, then you're brimming with health, vigor, and confidence. In other words, moxie is strength, courage, boldness, energy, or skill.
grammatical bits:
Part of speech: noun, the uncountable kind: "she's got moxie," "the statement showed moxie."
Other forms: none.
how to use it:
Use this fun, spunky word to call attention to just how awesome, gutsy, or persistent someone (or something) is.
It's got a very American flavor, so it taps into our shared love of grit, audacity, independence, and individuality.
Talk about someone's moxie, or about someone having moxie or showing moxie.
Or, talk about someone saying or doing something with moxie, or about someone bringing moxie to some task, role, or creation.
examples:
"With his irascible grin and fighter-pilot moxie, McCain won election to the House from Arizona twice and the Senate six times."
— Nancy Benac, Associated Press, 26 August 2018
"The previous two tenants to occupy the space...didn’t survive a year there. Combined. Restaurateurs with less nerve might have balked at such a spot. But the brothers Wilder were born with moxie in their blood."
— Tim Carman, Washington Post, 31 July 2019
has this page helped you understand "moxie"?
study it:
Explain the meaning of "moxie" without saying "guts" or "brio."
try it out:
Praising the recently deceased actress Valerie Harper, the Guardian wrote that she "confronted her own insecurities with moxie."
"'I was always a little overweight,' she once told Associated Press. 'I'd say, Hello, I’m Valerie Harper and I’m overweight. I'd say it quickly before they could.'"
What a quirky thing to say to people! It shows boldness, bravery, and originality. It shows moxie.
Talk about someone else who speaks or acts with moxie. You might talk about someone you know, someone famous, or someone fictional. In some specific situation, what does this person say or do that's bold, brave, and original?
before you review, play:
Try to spend 20 seconds or more on the game below. Don’t skip straight to the review—first, let your working memory empty out.
Our game this month is Lightning Rhyming Recall!
In each issue this month, see how fast you can recall three words. They’re unrelated in meaning--probably--but they rhyme. To check your answers, scroll to the bottom of the issue. We’ll start out easy and ramp up the difficulty as the month goes on. Enjoy!
Each word below rhymes with CURSE:
A. (1 syllable, adjective) Something meaningful that's expressed with a minimum of words is…
B. (2 syllables, verb) To scatter widely, as if from a central point, is to…
C. (2 syllables, adjective) Harmful conditions or circumstances are...
review this word:
A. TIMIDITY.
B. DEMURENESS.
C. NONCHALANCE.
2. Han Solo brings his trademark moxie to the Resistance. "_____"
A. Women always figure out the truth. Always.
B. Same thing I always do. Talk my way out of it.
C. People are counting on us. The galaxy is counting on us.
a final word:
I hope you're enjoying Make Your Point. It's made with love.
I'm Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words.
From my blog:
36 ways to study words.
Why we forget words, & how to remember them.
How to use sophisticated words without being awkward.
To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com.
Disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes.
Moxie is one of those hip American words that started out as slang, then gained sophistication as the decades went by. They're still hip, but now they're hip and retro. "Moxie" might ultimately come from a word in a Native American language meaning "dark water."
Part of speech: noun, the uncountable kind: "she's got moxie," "the statement showed moxie."
Use this fun, spunky word to call attention to just how awesome, gutsy, or persistent someone (or something) is.
"With his irascible grin and fighter-pilot moxie, McCain won election to the House from Arizona twice and the Senate six times."
Explain the meaning of "moxie" without saying "guts" or "brio."
Praising the recently deceased actress Valerie Harper, the Guardian wrote that she "confronted her own insecurities with moxie."
Try to spend 20 seconds or more on the game below. Don’t skip straight to the review—first, let your working memory empty out.
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