What does nosiest mean?
Nosiest is the superlative form of the informal adjective nosy. It means excessively curious about other people's private lives, affairs, or personal information, often suggesting prying or meddling rather than harmless interest. The word is usually used to compare people: someone may be described as the nosiest relative, neighbour, or classmate in a group. Its tone is typically playful but mildly critical, and it can appear in everyday conversation as well as humorous or social commentary. Although related to the noun nose in its word history, modern nosy refers figuratively to someone who pries into matters that are none of their business. The superlative nosiest identifies whichever person is regarded as most inquisitive or intrusive.
adjectiveNosiest is the superlative of nosy: involving or characterized by excessive curiosity about other people's private affairs. It describes the most inquisitive or meddlesome person in a group or comparison.
- Inquisitive or eager to know other people's private affairs, especially to an excessive or intrusive degree.
"Her nosiest friend had somehow found out about the surprise party before anyone else."
"The nosiest employees tend to be the first to notice a new arrival."
"His nosiest questions always concerned what his neighbours did in their spare time."
Some people ask questions out of genuine interest; the nosiest ask because they want to know everyone else's business.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nosiest
The adjective nosy developed from the noun nose, originally through the idea of poking one's nose into other people's business. The suffix -y gives the word its familiar, informal character. It belongs to a broader English family derived from Latin nasus, meaning nose; related words include nasal, nausea, and nostril. The standard comparative and superlative forms are nosier and nosiest.
Related word forms
How nosiest is actually used
Informal and generally mildly disapproving. In British English, it is sometimes spelled nosey, but nosy is the more common form.
Easily confused with nosiest
Nosy usually implies intrusive or excessive curiosity about other people's private matters, whereas curious can simply mean interested in learning or knowing something.