noun General Slang

Eager Beaver

/ˈiːɡər ˈbiːvər/ · noun · informal

The overly keen recruit who volunteers for everything — sometimes a compliment, often a tease.

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Definitions

1

Used approvingly for genuine, energetic diligence.

“We need an eager beaver on this project who'll actually finish it.”
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2

An excessively enthusiastic, hardworking person who jumps at every task — originally the green recruit too keen for his own good.

“The new private was such an eager beaver he volunteered for KP twice.”
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3

Used dismissively for someone whose keenness is annoying or naive.

“Quit being an eager beaver and let the rest of us breathe.”
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Eager Beaver In A Sentence

Every morning the eager beaver was first in line before roll call.
She's a real eager beaver — already three chapters ahead of the class.
Don't be an eager beaver and promise the boss the moon.

Origin & Usage

American slang popularized in the early 1940s, especially in military training camps for the overly zealous recruit. The rhyme made it stick and it quickly spread into civilian workplaces.

Variants eager-beaver
Tags #1940s#wartime#swing#vintage#military#workplace

People Also Ask

What does eager beaver mean?

An overly enthusiastic, hardworking person who's keen to take on every task.

Where did eager beaver come from?

It took off in early-1940s America, especially among military recruits, with the rhyme helping it spread.

Is calling someone an eager beaver an insult?

It depends on tone — it can praise genuine drive or gently mock someone for being too keen.

Is it still in use?

Yes, it survived the war and remains a common, mild expression in offices and schools.

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