gung-ho
UK[ˌɡʌŋ ˈhəʊ]US[ˌɡʌŋ ˈhoʊ]
adj
Extremely enthusiastic, eager, or zealous, especially about working together for a cause.
Etymology
The term 'gung-ho' originates from the Chinese term 'gōnghé' (工合), an abbreviation for 'gōngyè hézuòshè' (工业合作社), meaning 'industrial cooperative'. It was adopted into American English during World War II after being used as a motto by the U.S. Marine Corps' 2nd Raider Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson. Carlson, who had spent time in China, interpreted and promoted the term to mean 'work together' or 'enthusiastic cooperation'. Through this military association, the word's meaning in English evolved from its literal Chinese origin to its current sense of excessive or uncritical enthusiasm and eagerness.
Analysis
This is a loanword adopted as a single lexical unit from Chinese. It does not contain separable English morphemes.
Examples
The new manager's gung-ho attitude inspired the team to tackle the ambitious project.
He was criticized for his gung-ho approach to investing, without conducting proper research.
Their gung-ho spirit was evident in their willingness to work late nights to meet the deadline.