What does spunk mean?
Spunk is an informal English noun with two strikingly different meanings. Its principal current use for semen is vulgar and unsuitable for formal or polite contexts. More commonly in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, however, spunk means courage, nerve, or energetic determination, especially when describing someone who continues despite fear or difficulty. Phrases such as “show some spunk” present it as a quality that can be demonstrated by bold action. The word may suggest a somewhat spirited, unconventional kind of bravery rather than disciplined resolve. An older and now obsolete sense referred to tinder or flammable material. This range of meanings makes spunk memorable: the same word can denote both physical semen and the metaphorical grit or “spunk” associated with facing a challenge.
Semen, especially in informal or vulgar usage.
"The film contains crude jokes about spunk and masturbation."
This sense is vulgar and is normally inappropriate in formal, educational, or polite contexts.
Courage, nerve, or lively determination.
"It took considerable spunk to admit that the plan had failed."
Informal; particularly common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.
Tinder or another highly flammable material.
"The dry grass was as ready as spunk for a spark."
Obsolete except in historical or dialectal contexts.
One word can describe both liquid courage and the bodily substance that allegedly creates it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of spunk
The word's precise origin is uncertain. It has long been recorded in Scots for tinder or other flammable material, and its later figurative meaning for courage developed from ideas of fiery energy and boldness. The sexual sense arose separately and is now familiar chiefly as informal or vulgar vocabulary.
How spunk is actually used
The figurative sense is informal and especially associated with British, Australian, and New Zealand English. The bodily sense is vulgar and should normally be restricted to contexts where such language is appropriate. The original sense meaning tinder is obsolete.
Easily confused with spunk
Sperm refers specifically to male reproductive cells, whereas spunk is an informal word for semen as a whole.