Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(orig. milit.) to struggle towards, to act energetically in one’s own interest.

1881		H.J. & C.J. Hayes Trial of Guiteau 73: I was bucking very strong for the job.
1921		Sentinel 4 Feb. 9: Perain, our best and only mechanic, is bucking for the position of Supply Sergeant.
1947		(con. 1942) J.H. Burns Gallery (1948) 173: I’m bucking for a section eight.
1953		L. Uris Battle Cry (1964) 135: I think you’re bucking for warrant officer.
1961		G.L. Coon Meanwhile, Back at the Front (1962) 255: Major Tunkett [...] had instructed a signal corporal who was bucking for sergeant to relay duplicates of all messages.
1974		(con. 1960s) R. Price Wanderers 97: Lissen, man, are you buckin’ for a section eight?
1979		B. Gutcheon New Girls (1982) 130: Jesus, she really is bucking for Government, isn’t she?
1981		H. Gould Fort Apache, The Bronx 225: What are you buckin’ for, Connolly? [...] You wanna run for Congress or something?
1982		P. Theroux London Embassy 154: He was dressed like a man in the English Department bucking for promotion.
1990		(con. c.1970) G. Hasford Phantom Blooper 171: A skinhead Lieutenant leans down and looks at my face. He’s a pudgy little guy, another wild-eyed butter-bar bucking for tracks.
1995		A. Heckerling Clueless [film script] Sorry to make you leave, Dionne is bucking for best dramatic actress at a Val party.
2011		G. Hayward Corruption Officer [ebk] n.p.: I am bucking for promotion on this nigga’s back.
2023		M. Herron Secret Hours 154: I said, you bucking for a promotion, Sir Winston?