Quick answer
Moxie means courage, boldness, or nerve. It is usually pronounced MOK-see, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Moxie
Moxie means courage, boldness, or nerve. It belongs to funny-sounding words and works best in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
funny-soundingquirkymemorable
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, moxie refers to courage, boldness, or nerve. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Moxie feels absurd because the shape of it looks and sounds a little awkward in exactly the right way, which helps it stick in the ear.
Origin and history
Moxie is generally traced to american English, tied to a brand name. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Moxie is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- She had the moxie to challenge the plan when everyone else stayed quiet.
- It takes moxie to wear sequins to a budget meeting.
- The rookie showed real moxie under pressure.
- In the memoir, success depends less on luck than on stubborn moxie.
When should you use this word?
Use moxie when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
Similar words
Nerve, Grit, Boldness, Spunk, Gumption
Opposite or contrasting words
Timidity, Fear, Hesitation
Common questions
- What does moxie mean? Courage, boldness, or nerve.
- How do you pronounce moxie? It is commonly pronounced MOK-see.
- Is moxie still used today? Moxie is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use moxie? Use moxie when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
- What words are similar to moxie? Similar words include Nerve, Grit, Boldness, and Spunk.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.