What does goosier mean?
Goosier is the comparative form of the informal adjective goosy, meaning more sentimental, tender, or emotionally demonstrative. It typically describes someone whose words, behavior, or appearance becomes increasingly affectionate, tearful, or maudlin. For example, saying that a speaker became goosier during a story suggests that the story drew out an especially strong emotional response. The word is common in British and American informal English and can sound fond or gently teasing, but it may also imply that the emotion is excessive or sentimental. Goosier is part of a small word family that includes the superlative goosiest, the adverb goosily, and the noun goosiness. It is especially useful when a comparison is needed, since it identifies a visible increase in emotional warmth or sentimental display without making a judgment as strongly as some more critical descriptions would.
adjectiveThe comparative form of goosy: having or showing more sentimental or tender emotion.
- Having or displaying more of the tender, sentimental, or maudlin qualities associated with being goosy.
"The reunion left her goosier than the wedding had."
"By the final scene, the story had become goosier than anyone had expected."
"His voice grew goosier as he recalled his childhood."
"The reunion left her goosier than the wedding had."
Even when nobody is crying, goosier keeps the goose in the room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does goosier come from?
Goosier is the comparative form of the English adjective goosy, which is formed from goose with the adjectival suffix -y. Its use in the sense of sentimental or maudlin is figurative rather than zoological. The related forms goosily and goosiness preserve the same root, while the goose root also appears in words such as gosling, goosefoot, and gooseherd.
Related word forms
How goosier is actually used
Informal and often mildly dismissive. It is used especially for exaggerated affection, sentimentality, or tearful behavior.
Easily confused with goosier
Goosier means more sentimental or tender, whereas greasier means more greasy or more heavily coated with grease.