buck fever

noun

: nervous excitement of an inexperienced hunter at the sight of game

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This quite unnerved me, and my second symptom of buck fever hit. — Angus Cameron, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of buck fever was in 1841

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“Buck fever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buck%20fever. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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buck fever

noun

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