Talk:spunk

Possible etymology

Etymonline has the shaky theory that it derives (via Scots) from Scots Gaelic spong, meaning tinder, pith or sponge, from Latin spongia. Apparently it originally meant spark, and the modern senses developed later. (I'm not entirely sure how the ejaculate sense would fit in here). Further strength is given by the fact that Irish sponnc, a cognate with spong, means everything that the English word now does, perhaps excluding the semen, again. --Wytukaze 14:33, 14 May 2005 (UTC)

• Merriam-Webster Online gives a similar etymology. I'd say the lexicographers and etymologists are better able to judge whether the theory is shaky than you or I. (mumbles something about original research under his breath...) — hippietrail 13:33, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Random-House gives a more solid etymology, as an alteration (influence by spark) of now obsoloete funk meaning "spark", which meets both the phonological and semantic requirements--it is less of a leap in sense from that of tinder to the actual spark itself. Leasnam 17:00, 4 June 2010 (UTC)

Slang Usage

Admittedly, I don't know how widespread the usage is, but where I'm from (the Toronto area of Ontario, Canada) I'm fairly confident I could talk to anyone (of the right age) and they would know spunk is semen. So I'm wondering if this is common enough to have it added that it's Canadian slang as well. Something to consider. --24.150.27.219 04:05, 18 March 2010 (UTC)