What does gushier mean?
Gushier is the comparative form of gushy, an adjective describing speech, behavior, or writing that is excessively emotional or sentimental. It means more given to gushing, usually with the implication that the display of feeling is excessive, insincere, or embarrassing. Typical usage is informal and often critical, as when a character becomes increasingly tearful or a speech grows more demonstrative than its audience finds appropriate. The comparison may involve two works, such as a novel and its sequel, or stages in a person's behavior. Gushier is also useful for describing any progression toward greater emotional openness, although it generally carries a negative or mocking nuance rather than a warm one. Because it is a comparative adjective, it is naturally used in comparisons, especially with the word than. It should not be confused with gushy, which is the base form without a comparison.
adjective (comparative)Gushier is the comparative of gushy and means more given to gushing, especially to exaggerated or overly sentimental displays of feeling.
- More given to gushing or effusive emotional expression.
"Her second novel was gushier than her first, with twice as many tears and declarations of undying devotion."
"By the third scene, the speech had become so gushier that the audience was rolling their eyes."
"The sequel was gushier than the original, trading restraint for grand declarations and frequent tears."
Gushier means the feelings are already overflowing—and the superlative, gushiest, takes them over the top.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gushier
Gushier is an English comparative formed from gushy by adding the suffix -er. The family goes back to Middle English gush, meaning to flow or pour out suddenly, and includes gushy, gushily, and gushiness. The deeper origin of the older word is not certain enough to justify assigning it a definite foreign source.
Related word forms
How gushier is actually used
Informal and often mildly disapproving. It typically characterizes a person, performance, or piece of writing whose emotional expression has become excessive or overly sentimental.
Easily confused with gushier
Gushy is the base adjective, whereas gushier is its comparative form and means more gushy.