What does gutsy mean?
Gutsy is an informal adjective meaning courageous, bold, and willing to face risk. People use it for actions, decisions, performances, or people who show nerve in difficult circumstances. The word often carries an approving sense of determination and resilience, especially in stories about sport, competition, or difficult personal challenges. It can also suggest a bold or unconventional approach, as in a “gutsy performance” that rejects cautious or conventional choices. Because “gutsy” is conversational rather than formal, it works best in informal writing and speech. It is broadly used in British and American English. Although usually positive, the term can sometimes imply recklessness or excessive boldness, depending on context. A “gutsy move” may be praised as brave or criticized as unnecessarily dangerous. The word’s usefulness lies in its ability to combine moral courage with a sense of energetic, unapologetic action.
adjectiveShowing courage, nerve, or determination, especially in a bold or risky situation.
- Showing courage, determination, or nerve, especially when facing risk or difficulty.
"The team made a gutsy comeback in the final minutes of the match."
"That was a gutsy decision to resign and start her own business."
"The band received praise for its gutsy and unconventional live performance."
Gutsy gives courage a short, punchy identity: it is the adjective built directly from “guts.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gutsy
The word was formed in the early nineteenth century by adding the adjectival suffix -y to guts, where guts already meant courage. Its base noun, gut, descends from Old English gutt, although the ultimate origin of that word is uncertain. English gut, guts, gutted, and gutting form the direct word family from which gutsy developed.
Related word forms
How gutsy is actually used
Informal and generally approving, though it can sometimes imply recklessness or excessive boldness. It is broadly used in British and American English.
Easily confused with gutsy
Gutsy means courageous or bold, whereas gusty means marked by strong wind.