What does hosing mean?
Hosing usually means spraying or washing something with a hose, as when firefighters hose a burning building or a driver hoses down a muddy car. In British informal English, it can also mean criticizing someone harshly, often at length and with little restraint. The word comes from the older noun “hose,” a flexible tube for carrying water, and preserves that physical association in its most common use. As a noun, hosing can also refer to flexible tubing, particularly industrial or water-conveying tubing, though “hose” is often the more natural term in general contexts. Because hosing combines a concrete action with a more figurative sense of vigorous criticism, it is especially effective in reporting and informal description, where its imagery makes the action vivid.
To spray, water, or wash something with a hose; in British informal use, to criticize someone harshly.
"The crew hosed down the runway after the aircraft had stopped."
The criticism sense is chiefly British and informal.
Flexible tubing, especially tubing used to carry water or another liquid.
"The repair technician replaced the cracked hosing beneath the sink."
Usually used as an uncountable noun for tubing or tubing material; the plural is rare and more likely to refer to separate lengths or pieces of hosing.
"The technician inspected the insulated hosings for signs of damage."
A hose may extinguish a fire, but in British informal English, to hose someone is to give them a severe dressing-down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hosing
The word ultimately derives from Old English hosa, meaning a stocking or leg covering, a sense related to modern hose. The sense “conduit for carrying water” developed through French usage, while “spray with a hose” is a later extension of that mechanical meaning. Related forms include hosier and hosiery, historically associated with hose-making and the sale of hose and stockings.
Related word forms
How hosing is actually used
The literal sense is standard in British and American English. The figurative sense, meaning to criticize harshly, is chiefly British and informal; “criticize” or “berate” is more neutral and broadly understood.
Easily confused with hosing
Hosing means spraying or washing with a hose, whereas housing means accommodation or the provision of accommodation.