Definition of the word oomph

The origins of the word "oomph" are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. One possible explanation is that it comes from the phrase "oxygen use multiplier," which was used in the early 20th century to describe the amount of extra energy or vitality that someone had. Over time, the phrase was shortened to simply "oomph," and its meaning expanded to include any extra energy, force, or vitality. In the 1920s and 1930s, "oomph" began to be used in popular culture, often to describe someone or something that had a lot of energy or momentum. For example, a performer might be said to have "oomph" if they had a powerful stage presence. By the mid-20th century, "oomph" had become a commonly used word in American English, and it continues to be used today to describe anything that has a lot of energy, enthusiasm, or vitality.