Trooper

These days, calling someone a trooper or behaving like a trooper is generally complimentary, except, of course, if someone happens to be swearing like a trooper. With this latter exception in mind, a trooper is generally a person who perseveres, works hard or sees something through to the end, like a trooper or like a real trooper. The expression in this sense dates from the mid-18th century and derives from the exuberant behaviour, albeit sometimes coarse in the language department, of 18th century cavalrymen. See also Swear like a trooper.