Read along with the three podcasts, or open the full dictionary entry for Feisty for the definition, Arabic meaning, synonyms and example sentences.
Narrator: Today's word is "Feisty" — adjective, pronounced /ˈfaɪsti/, with the stress on "feis".
Narrator: Feisty means lively, determined and courageous, often with a touch of aggression.
Narrator: In plain English, a feisty person is small but spirited — like a feisty terrier that barks at big dogs.
Narrator: It probably comes from the American English feist, meaning a small dog, from the Old English fisting, a cur.
Narrator: "A feisty character" describes someone who is spirited and not afraid to speak up.
Narrator: It differs from spirited because feisty implies a touch of aggression, whereas spirited is positive.
Narrator: "A feisty debate" is a sense meaning a lively and combative discussion.
Narrator: Everyday speech, sport, politics and description all rely on the word feisty.
Narrator: So remember: feisty means spirited, possibly from the American for a small dog.
Speaker A: What does feisty mean?
Speaker B: Spirited! FEISTY probably comes from the American feist, a small dog, so it means lively, determined and courageous.
Speaker A: So a feisty terrier is brave?
Speaker B: Yes — small but fierce!
Speaker A: Example sentences?
Speaker B: "A feisty character"; "a feisty debate"; "she's feisty" — personality, discussion and trait.
Speaker A: Common mistakes?
Speaker B: Don't confuse feisty with feasting, because feisty means spirited, while feasting relates to eating.
Speaker A: Close relatives?
Speaker B: 'Spirited' the lively cousin, 'plucky' the brave twin, 'scrappy' the rough alternative. The word keeps its spunky charm!
Speaker B: Let's use "feisty" in AI prompts — useful for character apps and debate tools.
Speaker A: So a prompt could frame character?
Speaker B: Right. For a character app, you'd write:
Prompt: Write a short sketch of a feisty character, naming two traits.
Speaker A: How about a debate tool?
Speaker B: Ask the model to describe:
Prompt: Draft a guide to a feisty debate, naming two features.
Speaker A: Could it help with a sport bot?
Speaker B: Yes, you can frame attitude:
Prompt: Summarise in two sentences why feisty players stand out, naming one trait.
Speaker A: One more?
Speaker B: For a writing chatbot, try this:
Prompt: Write a short scene with a feisty character, naming one gesture.
Feisty — meaning in Arabic & definition More F courses GL Dictionary