PEP
|pep|
/pɛp/
(pep)
energy and liveliness
Etymology
'pep' originates from English, specifically as an informal shortening of 'pepper', where 'pep' carried a sense of 'spirit' or 'piquancy' borrowed from the idea of 'pepper'.
'pep' developed in colloquial English in the 19th century as a clipped form of 'pepper', and the sense shifted from the literal spice to figurative 'vigor' and 'energy'.
Initially, associated with the spicy quality of 'pepper' (sharpness, bite), it evolved into the current meaning of 'energy; liveliness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
energy, enthusiasm, or high spirits (informal).
She has a lot of pep today.
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Noun 2
a short, lively, stimulating bit (informal), often used in compounds such as 'pep pill' (a stimulant).
He talked about taking a pep before the match.
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Verb 1
to enliven, make more energetic or lively; (often used with up: 'pep up').
They tried to pep up the team before the game.
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Last updated: 2025/12/13 21:56