What does geeing mean?
GEEING is an uncommon English verb form and gerund noun associated with driving horses or a horse-drawn team. It can mean turning an animal to the right, in the traditional system of paired commands, or urging a horse forward by calling “gee,” as in “gee up” and “gee-ho.” The word is principally encountered in equestrian, agricultural, historical, and literary contexts rather than in everyday modern speech. Its unusual spelling may initially suggest the unrelated word “gaying,” but the two have entirely different meanings. GEEING is worth knowing because it preserves the vocabulary of traditional horse-driving, where a small set of spoken commands coordinated the movement of animals and drivers. Although rarely needed in conversation, the term is useful in reading older literature, accounts of farm work, and descriptions of carriage travel.
To turn a horse or team to the right, or to urge it onward with the spoken command “gee.”
"The driver was geeing the team to the right as they entered the yard."
A present participle of “gee,” chiefly used in equestrian, agricultural, historical, or literary contexts.
The act of commanding a horse or team with “gee,” especially to turn it to the right or urge it forward.
"After a little geeing, the horses pulled the wagon into the stable."
A gerund-derived noun that is uncommon outside descriptive or historical writing.
For a horse-driver, “gee” meant right while “haw” meant left—a two-word compass for guiding an entire team.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does geeing come from?
The English verb and interjection “gee” developed within the vocabulary of horse-driving during the 19th century. The command was conventionally associated with movement to the right, opposed to “haw,” and later expressions such as “gee up” and “gee-ho” used it to encourage forward motion. The exact origin of the command is uncertain, but it belongs to the English-language tradition of working with horses and remains most familiar in equestrian and historical contexts.
Related word forms
How geeing is actually used
GEEING is uncommon in contemporary general English and occurs chiefly in equestrian, agricultural, historical, or literary contexts. Its rightward sense corresponds to “haw,” the traditional command to turn left.
Easily confused with geeing
Gaying means making someone gay or causing someone to become gay, whereas geeing refers to commanding or directing a horse or team.