Green’s Dictionary of Slang

made to feel better, cheered, encouraged.

1913		A. Lunn Harrovians 23: Would old Pycroft be fearfully bucked to join Horrocks?
1916		R.L. Mackay diary 4 Sept. 🌐 Ordered ‘out’. Felt very ‘bucked’ with life.
1923		Wizard 27 Jan. 88: Dad’ll be no end bucked! [...] My word won’t he be pleased!
1939		‘Flann O’Brien’ At Swim-Two-Birds 15: We will feel ‘bucked’ when this animal flashes past the post at a fancy price.
1947		K. Amis letter 27 Dec. in Leader (2000) 149: Congratulations on your result, Pud! [...] I expect Mum and Dad are pretty bucked, aren’t they?
1976		H. Leonard Time Was (1981) Act II: If you would consent to place yorself under my personal protection I should be most fearfully bucked.
1993		(con. 1920s) W. Woodruff Road to Nab End (2003) 104: Were you bucked by the visit?