Gumption
Gumption (noun): Enterprise [readiness to engage in daring or difficult action], initiative
What a great word. I love looking up words. Did you know that the better your vocabulary, the better you are at communicating? It makes sense when you think about how many wonderful words there are out there that describe exactly what you’re trying to say.
Back to gumption.
My love of the word started the first time I saw “Working Girl.” When the main character finally moves up from being a secretary, the CEO tells her, “Gumption, Ms. McGill.” And in “The Holiday,” when the main character has her moment of triumph, she announces, “I think what I’ve got is something slightly resembling… GUMPTION!”
Gumption. Initiative with a side of enterprise.
It’s one of those words you stick in your back pocket for motivation. It’s a one word inspirational quote. It’s the word you whisper to yourself when you just don’t feel like doing anymore. It’s the backbone when someone is telling ‘no’ when you need a ‘yes.’ It’s the extra boost you need to take a good idea and grind out a business plan while everyone else is watching “So You Think You Can Dance?”
Gumption is what will set you apart, no matter the generation, the industry, or the gender.
Photo credit: MassDistraction via Flickr.
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“Gumption is what will set you apart, no matter the generation, the industry, or the gender.”
Amen.
Oh god, I’m commenting and reading while watching “So You Think You Can Dance” I feel dirty.
In middle and high school I used to keep a notebook by my bed and write down the “big words” I didn’t know (did I mention I read…a lot…books from Beowulf on up through Bridget Jones) Definitely grew my love of words a ton.
Gumption is one of my favorites, though I always forget it til I see it. I think your last thought is the best of the post. It IS what sets people apart and pushes us forward. Great word…great idea.
I like the word gumption. It’s underused and has a lot of power behind it. I like to use the phrase, “It will put hair on your chest,” haha to males or females because it shows you’ve got IT and can handle anything.
I’m never liked the word gumption, it always made me think of the “country” where i grew up. It’s one of those words that I could contextually define, but never REALLY knew what it meant.
Thanks for putting a brand new spin on an old word for me.
Oh, excellent post. I like that word, too. Gumption. Awesome.