Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/bʌk/

Definitions

• Noun: A male deer, antelope, or similar animal.
• Noun: A dollar or unit of currency, especially in informal contexts.
• Verb: To leap or jump, especially when used to describe an animal or a person resisting something forcefully.
• Verb: To oppose or resist something, especially in the phrase "buck the trend."
• Noun: A container, usually made of wood or metal, used for carrying liquids or other substances (e.g., a bucket).

Usage Examples

• The buck leaped over the fence effortlessly.
• He earned a few bucks working part-time at the café.
• She had to buck the system to get her ideas accepted.
• The workers filled the buck with sand to carry it to the site.

Etymology

From Middle English buck, meaning a male animal, possibly related to Old English boc, meaning male goat or stag. The currency usage of "buck" comes from the use of deer skins as a form of trade in early America.

Synonyms

• Stag
• Male deer
• Resist
• Oppose
• Dollar

Antonyms

• Doe
• Comply
• Follow

Translations in Global Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some areas, especially in the southern United States, "buck" may refer informally to a dollar and may be pronounced with a slight drawl, sounding like "bahk."

Historical Usage

The term "buck" for a male deer has been in use since the early 1600s. It was later adopted as a slang term for currency, referencing the use of deer hides (bucks) as a form of trade in early American history. The verb "to buck" meaning to resist or oppose something emerged in the 19th century, likely related to the actions of a bucking animal or horse.

Cultural Nuances

In modern culture, "buck" often has different connotations depending on the context. As a slang term for money, it is commonly used in casual settings. In terms of animal behavior, the phrase "bucking the system" or "bucking tradition" is often used to signify defiance against established norms or authority.

More Information

The word "buck" has evolved over time, starting as a term to describe a male deer, and gradually gaining additional meanings related to money, resistance, and movement. It remains widely used in both everyday speech and in idiomatic expressions, reflecting its deep roots in American history and culture.