Are you looking for a way to describe another person's enthusiasm and high-energy state? You could always say they have plenty of "vim and vigor." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
You can use the expression "vim and vigor" to describe other people's attitudes and energy levels. If they are full of enthusiasm and positivity, you could say that they have plenty of "vim and vigor" The saying can apply to people of all ages, from children to adults.
It's a way of describing the attitude of someone with high spirits and pep. It can also be a way of describing a senior that still displays the vitality and youth of someone twenty years younger.
Example Usage
“I think we should go with Stacey as the new addition for the team. She has plenty of vim and vigor, and I think she has the right attitude to add value to the store.”
“Those kids have so much vim and vigor in them. I can’t imagine running around like they do all day anymore.”
“Look at the vim and vigor in that old man. He scaled those stairs like he was in his twenties.”
“You need to workout with vim and vigor if you want to see the scale start moving down.”
“Sandra is full of vim and vigor and ready to start her new business venture as an independent consultant.”
“Jeepers, the dog has plenty of vim and vigor today. What did you feed him last night?”
“I just don’t think I have the vim and vigor in me to keep up with a younger girlfriend. They always want to party, and I’m just more of a homebody.”
Origin
The expression "vim and vigor" originates from the 1800s. This saying is one of the first tautology examples in the modern English language. "Vim" is a relatively new word compared to "vigor." Vim has been in use since the mid-1800s, and vigor traces back to somewhere in the 1300s.
Language experts believe "vigor" derives from the Latin word "vigere," meaning to thrive or be lively in your behavior. According to historians, the phrase's first use appears as "vis and vigor."
Experts believe the change to the current format occurred in the mid-1800s, but they are unsure of when. There is also speculation that the phrase changed because it led to the creation of the other idiomatic expression, "piss and vinegar."
So, to move away from the vulgar use of the expression to describe something pure and positive, someone decided to use the phrase "vim and vigor" instead.
Phrases Similar to Vim and Vigor
- Full of beans.
- Bursting with life.
- High-energy.
Phrases Opposite to Vim and Vigor
- Apathetic.
- No drive.
- No motivation.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Wim and vigor.
Ways People May Say Vim and Vigor Incorrectly
Using the phrase to describe anything other than enthusiasm and energy is the incorrect use of the expression. Some people may spell the saying as “whim and vigor,” which is wrong.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Vim and Vigor
You can use the expression “vim and vigor” when you're describing a highly energetic, enthusiastic person. The saying applies to behavior, so the person, could display the behavior one day and then not the next. The expression suits social and professional use. For example, your boss could address the sales team, saying you all look like young people with plenty of “vim and vigor.” Or you could tell your friends that your kids have so much vim and vigor in them that you find it hard to keep up with them all day.