gung ho

English

Alternative forms

• gungho
• gung-ho

Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ɡʌŋˈhəʊ/, X-SAMPA: /gVN'h@U/
• GenAm: IPA: /ɡʌŋˈhoŭ/, X-SAMPA: /gVN'hou(/

Etymology

From a World War II catachresis of Mandarin gōnghé (工 gōng, work + 合 hé, together), itself an acronym for gōngyè hézuòshè (工業合作社, 工业合作社 Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society).

Adjective

gung ho (comparative more gung ho, superlative most gung ho)

1. (informal, derogatory) Very enthusiastic or energetic.

   No matter how gung ho you are when you start, you will tire as you become mired in details.

References

• Etymology: [1], [2]