piss and vinegar

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Noun

[edit]

piss and vinegar (uncountable)

  1. (US) Exuberance or enthusiasm, especially to an excessive degree; bravado; youthful energy. [from mid-20th c.]
    Synonym: spit and vinegar
    • 1940, John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, Viking, page 248:
      "I know what's a matter. Young fella, all full a piss an' vinegar. Wanta be a hell of a guy all the time."
    • 2008 October 2, David Fricke, “Q&A: Metallica's James Hetfield”, in Rolling Stone, retrieved 21 Feb. 2009:
      Everyone wants that: the vigor, fire, piss and vinegar. You really believe that you're taking on the world.

Derived terms

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]