“Vim and Vigor” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “vim and vigor” may not be as commonly heard, but it remains relevant at times in everyday writing and conversation. In this reference, you will explore the meaning of this phrase and its origin story.

You will also see examples of how to use this phrase correctly in conversations or statements and learn other ways to express the same idea.

Vim And Vigor Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Vim and vigor” means having a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and vitality. It describes someone who is full of life and strength.
Vim and Vigor Meaning
Vim and Vigor Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Vim And Vigor Meaning

“Vim and vigor” is an expression that means a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and vitality. It is used to describe someone who is full of life, strength, and eager to take on tasks or activities with enthusiasm and physical energy.

Origin of the Term

The idiom “vim and vigor” gets its meanings from the words contained within the phrase. Both the words vim and vigor, when used singularly, mean the same thing. Each of these words is defined to mean energetic, lively, active and healthy. However, even though you may see the word vigor used on its own, the word vim is rarely or never seen used by itself.

Some even believe the word vim is a made-up word, while others believe it was derived from the Latin word vis, which has the same meaning. Vigor is derived from a Latin word as well, vigorem. However, the word vigor is much older than the word vim. Vim was not used until 1843, while the term vigor has been a term used often since the 1300s.

The two words were combined into the phrase “vim and vigor” creating a redundancy, more commonly known as a tautology, and were first seen used in this form in the mid-1800s. Popularity for this phrase peaked in the 1940s and it is now an idiomatic phrase that is rarely heard.

Usage of “Vim And Vigor”

Here are some examples of how to use “vim and vigor” in sentences:

  1. In a conversation about health:
    • “Even in her 70s, she tackles each day with vim and vigor.”
  2. Describing someone’s attitude:
    • “He started his new job with a lot of vim and vigor, ready to take on any challenge.”
  3. In a fitness context:
    • “After a good night’s sleep, I woke up feeling full of vim and vigor.”
  4. Talking about youth:
    • “The kids were running around the playground with vim and vigor, never seeming to tire.”
  5. Complimenting someone’s energy:
    • “You’ve got so much vim and vigor today! What’s your secret?”

Related Terms to “Vim And Vigor”

  • Pep and energy – Refers to being lively and full of energy.
  • Zest for life – Enthusiasm and enjoyment of living.
  • Full of beans – Informal phrase meaning full of energy and enthusiasm.
  • Bursting with energy – Having an abundance of energy.
  • Liveliness – The quality of being full of life and spirit.
  • Get-up-and-go – Informal phrase meaning enthusiasm and energy.
  • Vitality – Physical or mental strength, energy, and liveliness.
  • Enthusiasm – Intense and eager enjoyment or interest.
  • Exuberance – The quality of being full of energy and excitement.
  • Spunk – Informal term meaning courage, determination, and liveliness.

Other Ways to Say “Vim and Vigor”

Like all phrases, the phrase “vim and vigor” can be said in several other ways that still convey the same meaning. Some alternative things you could say include:

  • Energy and vitality
  • Strength and stamina
  • Pep and zing

“Vim And Vigor” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made during a bodybuilding championship.

  • “The contestant is continuing to demonstrate her vim and vigor by adding more and more weight to the bar each time.”

A statement made in the local paper about a new restaurant that opened within the community.

  • “From the lighting to the floor, the name change is not the only thing that is lending vim and vigor to this new establishment. The complete makeover of the menu is also.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two male students in the weight room at school.

  • Student 1: I don’t think I can lift anymore. My arms are a bit tired.
  • Student 2: Oh come on Scott. I know you have more vim and vigor than that!

A conversation between a father and his son.

  • Father: Why are you in such a good mood this morning Paul? Usually, you are so grouchy.
  • Son: I am thinking about the big game tonight against our main rival.
  • Father: And this makes you happy?
  • Son: Well, no! Not exactly, I am just pumped up! Ya know, full of vim and vigor.
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