Gung ho

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiomatic phrase denoting extreme enthusiasm or eager dedication, often used in poetry to characterize zealous action or collective fervor; originates from WWII military slang and connotes unreserved commitment.

Detailed Definition
Gung ho means extremely eager, enthusiastic, zealous, or aggressively committed to action. In poetry, it can characterise soldiers, campaigners, reformers, entrepreneurs, athletes, or anyone propelled by intense group spirit. The phrase may admire energy, but often carries a hint of recklessness, conformity, or unexamined fervour. It is useful in poems about war, nationalism, workplace culture, or youthful confidence. A poet can use it to question whether enthusiasm is courage, naivety, obedience, or a dangerous refusal to pause and think.
Example
Example in poetry:
A war satire may describe young recruits as gung ho before the first shell falls; In an adventure poem, the explorer is gung ho for danger and discovery; The phrase can praise enthusiasm or mock reckless zeal; A poet might contrast gung ho slogans with private fear.
Additional Notes
Gung ho means extremely eager, enthusiastic, or zealous, sometimes to the point of recklessness. Its history includes military usage and an originally Chinese-derived phrase, so students should be aware of its cultural path into English. In poetry, it can characterise patriotic fervour, workplace zeal, youthful energy, or comic overcommitment. Tone is crucial: the phrase may praise spirit or criticise unthinking enthusiasm.
Also Known As
enthusiastic
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