What does horsey mean?
Horsey is an informal adjective with two closely related uses. It can describe a person or thing whose appearance, movement, or behavior resembles a horse's, usually with the suggestion that the resemblance is exaggerated or conspicuous. It also describes a strong smell typically associated with horses, as in “the stable smelled horsey.” The word can be affectionate and playful when applied to someone's long face, awkward gait, or energetic behavior, but it may sound insulting if used carelessly. Horsey is used in both British and American English, though it is more conversational than neutral. It is especially natural when qualified by expressions such as “a bit horsey,” which soften its humorous or potentially derogatory force. In general, the word evokes horses through either their physical character or their distinctive odor.
adjectiveHorse-like in appearance or manner, especially in a conspicuously exaggerated way. It can also describe a strong or noticeable smell associated with horses.
- Resembling a horse in appearance, movement, or behavior, especially in an exaggerated or conspicuous manner.
- Having a strong smell associated with horses.
"The stable gate swung open, releasing a distinctly horsey smell into the lane."
"His long face and awkward gait looked distinctly horsey."
"The riding boots had an unmistakably horsey smell."
Sometimes a description says more than it seems: something can look horsey without containing a single horse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does horsey come from?
“Horsey” was formed in the 19th century from the noun “horse” and the suffix “-y.” The suffix contributes the meaning of resembling or being associated with the preceding noun. Related English formations include “horsehair,” “horsefly,” “horsewhip,” and “horsepower,” all of which preserve the same underlying word “horse.”
Related word forms
How horsey is actually used
The word is informal and mildly humorous. Its resemblance sense often implies that a person behaves in an exaggerated, clumsy, or characteristic horse-like way; its smell sense is common in descriptions of stables, riding clothes, and animals.
Easily confused with horsey
“Horse” names the animal, whereas “horsey” describes something that resembles a horse, exaggerates horse-like behavior, or has a strong horse-associated smell.