From Old English gréot ('sand, dust, earth'), from Proto-Germanic greutą, related to Old Norse grjót ('stones') and German Grieß ('semolina, coarse grain'). The figurative sense of 'courage and fortitude' developed in 19th-century American English — famously popularised by Charles Portis's 1968 novel True Grit. The food 'grits' shares the same root via coarsely ground grain.
What does grit mean?
Grit has four main senses. As a noun, it means coarse sand or stone particles ('there was grit in my eye'), or mental toughness and perseverance ('she showed grit under pressure'). As a verb, it means to clench the teeth ('grit your teeth'). In American English, grits (plural) is a Southern cornmeal porridge.
What is grit in psychology?
In psychology, grit refers to the combination of sustained passion and perseverance for long-term goals, regardless of setbacks. The concept was popularised by psychologist Angela Duckworth, who found that grit — more than talent or IQ — predicts long-term achievement in demanding fields.
What does 'grit your teeth' mean?
'Grit your teeth' literally means to clench your teeth firmly, especially in pain or effort. Figuratively, it means to endure something difficult or unpleasant with determination, keeping your composure: 'just grit your teeth and get through it'.
What are grits?
Grits are a Southern American dish made from coarsely ground hominy (dried maize treated with alkali). Boiled into a thick, creamy porridge, they are a staple of Southern US cuisine, served savoury (with butter, cheese, or shrimp) or sometimes sweet. The dish is always referred to in the plural.
What is the origin of grit as a word for courage?
The figurative sense of grit meaning 'courage and mental toughness' developed in 19th-century American English. It was widely popularised by Charles Portis's 1968 novel True Grit, in which a girl hires a marshal she describes as having 'true grit' to avenge her father's murder.