cosy up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “cosy up” mean?
To move close to someone or something for warmth or affection, or to try to become more friendly or intimate with someone, often with an ulterior motive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move close to someone or something for warmth or affection, or to try to become more friendly or intimate with someone, often with an ulterior motive.
To ingratiate oneself with a person in authority to gain favour, approval, or advantage. Also used literally for physical closeness for comfort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English favours 'cosy up', American English favours 'cozy up'. Usage is largely identical in meaning and connotation.
Connotations
Identical: The figurative sense often implies a degree of flattery or strategic friendliness.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cosy up” in a Sentence
cosy up + to + NP (person)cosy up + with + NP (person/thing)cosy up + adverb/prepositional phrase (e.g., together, by the fire)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosy up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The puppy cosied up to its owner.
- She's clearly cosying up to the head of department before the promotions.
American English
- They cozied up on the couch to watch the game.
- Several lobbyists have been cozying up to the senator.
adverb
British English
- N/A (phrasal verb only).
American English
- N/A (phrasal verb only).
adjective
British English
- N/A (phrasal verb only).
American English
- N/A (phrasal verb only).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe colleagues seeking favour with management: 'He's been cosying up to the new director.'
Academic
Rare, except in political science or sociology to describe tactical alliance-building.
Everyday
Common for describing physical closeness for warmth/comfort or jokingly about seeking favour with a partner/parent.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosy up”
- Incorrect particle: 'cosy up with' (correct for companion/object) vs. 'cosy up to' (correct for person you're ingratiating with).
- Using in overly formal contexts.
- Spelling confusion: cozy/cosy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The literal meaning (physical closeness for comfort) is positive. The figurative meaning (seeking favour) often has a slightly negative or sceptical connotation, implying insincerity.
'Cosy up to' is milder and can be literal; 'suck up to' is stronger, always negative, and implies obvious, excessive flattery.
Yes, in its literal sense: e.g., 'cosy up to the fireplace' or 'cosy up with a hot drink'.
British English: 'cosy up'. American English: 'cozy up'. Both are correct in their respective varieties.
To move close to someone or something for warmth or affection, or to try to become more friendly or intimate with someone, often with an ulterior motive.
Cosy up is usually informal in register.
Cosy up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.zi ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.zi ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cosy up to the boss.”
- “Cosy up to the fire.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (COSY) curling UP next to its owner for warmth and treats—it's getting close for comfort and benefit.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL CLOSENESS IS EMOTIONAL/POLITICAL ALLIANCE; SEEKING COMFORT IS SEEKING ADVANTAGE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cosy up' LEAST appropriate?