Is the term ‘moxie’ derived from the name of Maine’s state soft drink? | Fact brief

The word “moxie” comes from Moxie, the 141-year-old beverage officially recognized as Maine’s state soft drink.

Merriam-Webster says moxie, meaning energy, pep, courage or determination, originated with the trademarked drink. The dictionary traces the modern word to Moxie Nerve Food, an over-the-counter medicine and tonic invented by Dr. Augustin Thompson, of Union.

The first bottles of Moxie were sold in New England in 1885, according to a 1907 interview with Thompson’s son, Frank. Moxie was patented in July 1885.

Frank Thompson said his father had a friend named Mocksey who had given him the tonic’s secret ingredient, the bitter gentian root.

Moxie’s early advertising promised to improve health and calm the nerves. By 1930, “moxie” had taken on its modern meaning.

Maine made Moxie its official state soft drink in 2005. State law says it symbolizes “spirit and courage.”