feisty
Small but fierce
Feisty describes someone spirited, plucky, and ready to stand their ground—often despite being smaller or at a disadvantage.
A feisty terrier snaps at larger dogs.
A feisty grandmother tells off rude strangers.
The word carries admiration for scrappy determination: She's feisty—I wouldn't mess with her.
Aggressively spirited despite odds
- pugnaciousInclined to quarrel
- quarrelsomeInclined to dispute
- confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters
- truculentAggressively hostile disposition
belligerent · contentious · antagonistic · provocative · fierce · bellicose · combative · hostile
Courageous and lively
- pluckyCourageous despite disadvantage
- livelyAnimated and energetic
- vivaciousAttractively energetic and enthusiastic
- peppyEnergetic and cheerful
sprightly · animated · exuberant · vibrant · bubbly · effervescent · perky · chipper
Informally courageous
- boldCourageous and daring
- daringAdventurous courage
- braveShowing courage despite fear
- fearlessLacking any apprehension
undaunted · intrepid · valiant · mettlesome · stouthearted · gritty · lionhearted · gallant
Trusting in oneself
- confidentSure of oneself
- forcefulExerting strong pressure
- boldCourageous and daring
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
resolute · tenacious · strong-willed · firm · unyielding · outspoken · emphatic · insistent
Able to provide independently
- free-spiritedUninhibited by social expectations
- strong-mindedHaving firm convictions
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
- willfulIntentionally unyielding
unconventional · nonconformist · rebellious · unsubdued · untamed · defiant · obstinate · stubborn
scrappy
Aggressively spirited despite odds
- pugnaciousInclined to quarrel
- quarrelsomeInclined to dispute
- confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters
truculent · belligerent · contentious · antagonistic · provocative · fierce · bellicose · combative · hostile · aggressive
spunky
Courageous and lively
- pluckyCourageous despite disadvantage
- livelyAnimated and energetic
- vivaciousAttractively energetic and enthusiastic
peppy · sprightly · animated · exuberant · vibrant · bubbly · effervescent · perky · chipper · jaunty
gutsy
Informally courageous
fearless · undaunted · intrepid · valiant · mettlesome · stouthearted · gritty · lionhearted · gallant · nervy
self-assured
Trusting in oneself
determined · resolute · tenacious · strong-willed · firm · unyielding · outspoken · emphatic · insistent · commanding
self-reliant
Able to provide independently
- free-spiritedUninhibited by social expectations
- strong-mindedHaving firm convictions
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
willful · unconventional · nonconformist · rebellious · unsubdued · untamed · defiant · obstinate · stubborn · self-willed
- slang traitsbossy, brainy, bubbly, chatty, cheeky
- moodshappy, sad, angry, anxious, excited
- tenacitydetermined, persistence, persistent, perseverance, determination
- tough traitstough, resilient, fearless, brave, courageous
- gender stereotypesboys will be boys, pink for girls, blue for boys, man up, strong men
- slang adjectivescool, awesome, dope, lit, sick
feistymeek
Humbly unassertive
docile · submissive · passive · peaceable · acquiescent