The phrase "bucking for" means to strive for or work towards a particular goal or position. The word "bucking" is pronounced /ˈbʌkɪŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. It is spelled with the letters B-U-C-K-I-N-G, which are pronounced as follows: /b/ as in "boy," /ʌ/ as in "cup," /k/ as in "key," /ɪ/ as in "sit," and /ŋ/ as in "sing." When combined with "for," the phrase becomes "bucking for," meaning to actively pursue a desired outcome.
The phrase "bucking for" refers to a person's deliberate and persistent effort to actively seek or pursue a particular goal or position, often with a strong determination to achieve success or recognition. It involves making enthusiastic and strategic moves to move closer towards a desired outcome, often by actively attempting to impress or win the favor of someone who has the power to grant the desired result.
This phrase is derived from the term "buck," which originated in the 19th century and was commonly used to describe a person working hard or exerting effort. The term "bucking for" may also have roots in the image of an animal, such as a horse, forcefully trying to overpower or distract another animal to gain dominance or control.
When someone is "bucking for" a position, they are typically engaged in a range of activities aimed at demonstrating their abilities, skills, knowledge, or commitment to a specific role, position, or achievement. This can include striving to outperform colleagues, taking on additional responsibilities, volunteering for challenging tasks, or seeking opportunities to showcase their talents or achievements. The aim is to position oneself as the top contender or preferred candidate for a promotion, recognition, or any other desired outcome.
Overall, "bucking for" implies an individual's proactive and relentless pursuit of their goals, fueled by a strong determination to stand out and be the chosen candidate or achiever of the desired objective.
The phrase "bucking for" originated from the noun "buck", meaning a male deer. In the early 19th century, "buck" became associated with challenging or resisting authority, based on the image of a buck deer's aggressive behavior when confronted with danger. This led to the expression "to buck against", which meant to oppose or resist. Later on, the phrase transformed into "bucking for", conveying the idea of actively seeking something or striving to achieve a goal. Today, "bucking for" is commonly used to describe someone candidly or ambitiously aspiring for a particular position or outcome.