A strong, determined person who is not easily intimidated, discouraged, or defeated. Our principal was a little lady, but she was one tough cookie!

What does being a tough cookie mean?

: a person who is physically and emotionally strong Don't worry about her—she's a tough cookie.

Is tough cookie a compliment?

New Member. The term tough cookie has been used in the way I described it but I've also heard it used to describe someone who doesn't complain and is a survivor in the face of adversity, as in "The chemotherapy was really rough, but she is one tough cookie". In that case, it's a major compliment.