Is being feisty a compliment?
At first glance, feisty seems like a compliment. Merriam-Webster defines it as “having or showing a lively aggressiveness: spunky,” while Oxford Dictionaries chooses “lively, determined, and courageous.” Feisty, along with spunky and plucky, is an adjective that subtly undermines even while it ostensibly praises.
Angry, unfriendly dogs tend to be full of energy, so feisty could imply something is acting similarly. The word is related to the Old English word fīsting, meaning “breaking wind.” If something or someone is feisty, they have a lot of energy ready to use. They are ready to take on whatever comes next.
A big part of being feisty is having the confidence to be open about these things. Confidence allows you to be genuine without fear, to express yourself without reservation, and to care about what others think in a way that's not dependent on their approval for your satisfaction.
combative | argumentative |
---|---|
spirited | spunky |
excitable | enthusiastic |
gutsy | alive |
bubbly | energetic |
If you describe someone as feisty, you mean that they are tough, independent, and spirited, often when you would not expect them to be, for example because they are old or ill. The soldier looked incredulously at the feisty child. At 66, she was as feisty as ever.
a : full of nervous energy : fidgety. b : touchy, quarrelsome. c : exuberantly frisky. 2 : having or showing a lively aggressiveness : spunky.
The definition of sassy is someone or something that is lively, bold and a little feisty. An example of sassy is a quick witted, clever girl. Impudent.
nonaggressive | nonbelligerent |
---|---|
flat | timid |
agreeable | easygoing |
calm | friendly |
amicable | conciliatory |
Short-tempered is a more formal way of saying that someone gets angry easily.
It all depends on context – and you might regard a feisty person as confident, bold, and outgoing, who isn't afraid to stand up for themselves or others. The other perception is somewhat more negative and can be construed as being thin-skinned, quick to argue, and spoiling for a fight at all times.
What is the most difficult personality to deal with?
- The Anarchist. ...
- The Dramatic. ...
- The Blow Torch. ...
- The Narcissist. ...
- The Controller. ...
- The Avoider. ...
- The Serious. ...
- The Needy. Needy people are experienced as whiney and bothersome.
adjective. characterized by intense emotion. “fiery oratory” synonyms: ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, perfervid, torrid passionate. having or expressing strong emotions.

Assertive – She is clear about what she wants without being aggressive. Athletic – She can move quickly and respond with physical strength. Capable – She applies her skills to the task at hand and never shies away from a more challenging request. Courageous – She fights for what she believes in, no matter the cost.
1 bold, intrepid, daring, dauntless, heroic.
arrant, audacious, bold, brassy, brazen, cheeky, discourteous, disrespectful, flip, flippant, fresh, insolent, mouthy, rude, saucy, smart-alecky, wise.
synonyms for quick-tempered
choleric. cranky. cross. excitable. fiery.
See definition of seducer on Dictionary.com.
If you're going to make a relationship work with a strong woman, then you need to see her exactly as she is – an equal. This means listening to her opinions, respecting her thoughts, and helping her when she's in need of help. Never assume that you know better and that you can't learn anything from her.
/ˈfaɪ.sti/ active, forceful, and full of determination: a feisty lady. He launched a feisty attack on the government.
Active or feisty children may be fussy, irregular in feeding and sleeping habits, fearful of new people and situations, easily upset by noise and stimulation, and intense in their reactions. •
How do you say sassy in a nice way?
- saucy.
- cheeky.
- wise.
- brassy.
- bold.
- cocky.
- impudent.
- cute.
Lastly, another important trait to clarify is that a feisty personality isn't mysterious! It isn't a trait that makes people feel aggressive, angry, or confrontational – but it equips them with the skills to take a stand if they need to. Feisty people won't be guarded, suspicious, or secretive.
- 1 “Your perspective on life makes me want to live more thoughtfully.”
- 2 “You make me laugh so much—I love how you hit the perfect tone and expression every time.”
- 3 “I admire your determination when you strongly believe in something.”
- 4 “I feel heard and seen when we have difficult conversations.”
A positive attitude, a balanced extroversion and confidence have been revealed as the most attractive qualities, in both sexes. Psychologists say these three personality qualities not only make someone more attractive to the opposite sex but also prove they can get on with anyone.
- Low emotional intelligence. ...
- Chronic sarcasm. ...
- Inflexibility. ...
- Not following through. ...
- Impatience. ...
- Being a control freak. ...
- Lacking empathy. ...
- Being closed-minded.
- I appreciate you.
- You are perfect just the way you are.
- You are enough.
- You're all that and a super-size bag of chips.
- On a scale from 1 to 10, you're an 11.
- You've got all the right moves.
- Everything would be better if more people were like you.
- You are an incredible human.
- You are kind.
- I admire your bravery to speak up about things that matter to you.
- Your confidence inspires me to be more confident in myself.
- I appreciate your honesty.
- You are a thoughtful planner, and are good at being proactive.
- Your routines are inspiring to me.