spry
What does "spry" mean?
"Spry" describes someone who is active, energetic, and nimble, often used to describe an older person who has retained the physical agility of someone much younger. The mental image is of someone moving with a quick, springy step, defying the expected stiffness or slowness associated with aging. It is a positive, slightly informal descriptor that focuses on vitality rather than just strength. While it is almost exclusively used for people, you will most frequently hear it in phrases like "a spry octogenarian" or "still spry for his age," highlighting a pleasant surprise at their level of activity.
"spry" in conversation
Discussing a neighbor
I can’t believe Mr. Henderson is ninety!
I can’t believe Mr. Henderson is ninety!
I know, he’s still so spry. He was out jogging this morning.
I know, he’s still so spry. He was out jogging this morning.
Used to express mild surprise at someone's physical vigor.
Planning a hike
Do you think Grandma can handle this trail?
Do you think Grandma can handle this trail?
Definitely, she’s more spry than the rest of us combined.
Definitely, she’s more spry than the rest of us combined.
Highlights high energy levels in a comparative way.
"spry" in a sentence
The spry kitten chased the ball across the floor.
The spry kitten chased the ball across the floor.
She remains incredibly spry, even at eighty-five.
She remains incredibly spry, even at eighty-five.
Despite his years, he maintained a spry gait that outpaced the younger hikers.
Despite his years, he maintained a spry gait that outpaced the younger hikers.
