moxie, n: spirit, courage. From Moxie, an American soft drink marketed in the late 1800's. In the Dec. 20, 1930 edition of Collier's: Personally, I always figure Louie a petty-larceny kind of guy, with no more moxie than a canary bird.
Example from the news: Richmond Times-Dispatch, Feb. 15, 2006, sports: "He likes having the ball in his hands. He's got a little moxie to him.
Example from Scripture: "On your feet, Philistines! Let's see some moxie! We're about to become slaves to the Hebrews, just as they have been slaves to us. Show what you're made of! Fight for your lives!" —1 Samuel 4:9
(Sources: OED, Merriam-Webster Online. For The Dane.)
Posted by Charlie at February 18, 2006 12:24 AM