What it means
Gutsy means brave in a way that’s got a bit of cheek and risk in it. You use it for someone who says the bold thing, makes the nervey move, or goes through with something most people would bottle. It usually sounds approving, like yeah, that took some proper backbone.
Usage examples
"She told the boss his vision statement was pure waffle in the meeting. Proper gutsy. Everyone went dead quiet, then he laughed and binned the slide deck."
"She quit the office job, sold the car and moved to a tiny boat on the canal. Gutsy call, and now she runs a candle shop off the towpath like it was always the plan."
"Pretty gutsy of him to walk straight up to the headteacher and ask for the school disco back. He came out grinning, so either it worked or he is in for the lecture of his life."
"That was a gutsy move, mate. You clocked in late and still told him his rota made no sense."
"Bit gutsy turning up to the afters with your ex on your arm, but fair play, you wore it."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
It comes from guts, a word English has long used for courage and nerve, not just actual intestines. Gutsy turned up later as the adjective form, meaning full of guts in the bravery sense. It sticks to that old image that courage lives somewhere deep in your middle.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.
