What does hosed mean?
Hosed is an informal word with both literal and figurative uses. As a verb, it can mean to spray or water something with a hose, as in “he hosed down the patio.” In extended informal use, especially in North America, it means to deceive, cheat, or leave someone badly disadvantaged. As an adjective, hosed describes a person or situation as ruined, in serious trouble, or exhausted; phrases such as “completely hosed” and “hosed out” are idiomatic rather than formal. The word derives from hose, an older term for a pipe or conduit, and its figurative senses developed from ordinary practical situations: a device used for washing, wetting, or firefighting can leave someone or something thoroughly soaked, impaired, or out of luck. Because those senses are context-dependent, “hosed” is most useful in informal speech and informal writing, while the literal watering sense remains readily understandable. Its compactness and humor make it effective for describing sudden, inconvenient mishaps and personal ruin.
To spray or water something with a hose; informally, to deceive, cheat, or leave someone badly disadvantaged.
"The firefighters hosed down the burning engine."
The extended senses meaning “deceived” or “cheated” are informal and chiefly North American.
Informally, exhausted, ruined, or in serious difficulty because of circumstances beyond one's control.
"The canceled flight left us stranded and completely hosed."
Common in informal North American English; “hosed out” specifically conveys exhaustion.
A word that began with a blast of water now describes a person who feels, or gets, completely wrecked.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hosed come from?
The word is based on hose, from Old English hȳse, meaning a pipe or conduit, which came through Latin from a form associated with Greek hýdōr, meaning “water.” The verb “to hose,” meaning to spray or water with such a pipe, provides the literal basis of hosed. Informal American usage later extended the word to deception or ruin and, in adjectival use, to being exhausted or in serious trouble.
Related word forms
How hosed is actually used
The watering sense is ordinary and understood in both British and American English. The extended meanings—cheated, ruined, or exhausted—are informal and particularly associated with North American usage, especially in speech.
Easily confused with hosed
Housed means accommodated in a house, whereas hosed usually means soaked, exhausted, ruined, or cheated.