cousy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, neutral. 'Cosy' spelling is standard in British English; 'cozy' is standard in American English. The connotation of 'improperly close' (e.g., a cozy relationship) is more formal/institutional.
Quick answer
What does “cousy” mean?
comfortable, warm, and giving a feeling of pleasant relaxation or intimacy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
comfortable, warm, and giving a feeling of pleasant relaxation or intimacy.
Friendly and intimate, often implying a sense of small-scale or exclusive comfort. Can also describe things (like deals or arrangements) that are overly close and potentially unprofessional or corrupt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a spelling difference: 'cosy' (UK) vs. 'cozy' (US). The word is used with similar frequency and core meaning in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical in core meaning. The verb form 'cozy/cosy up to' is slightly more common in American English.
Frequency
Common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “cousy” in a Sentence
feel/look/seem cozy/cosymake something cozy/cosycozy/cosy up to [someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cousy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been cosying up to the new manager, hoping for a promotion.
- They cosied together on the sofa to watch the film.
American English
- The lobbyist is trying to cozy up to the senator.
- Let's cozy up by the fireplace.
adverb
British English
- The cat slept cosily in the armchair.
- They were sitting cosily together.
American English
- We were nestled cozily in the mountain cabin.
- The children cozily listened to the story.
adjective
British English
- It's a cosy pub with low ceilings and a real fire.
- They reached a cosy agreement without consulting the board.
American English
- She changed into cozy socks after work.
- The investigation revealed a cozy relationship between the contractor and the official.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Typically negative: 'a cozy/cosy relationship between the regulator and the industry' suggests improper closeness.
Academic
Rare in formal writing except in sociological/literary contexts describing atmospheres or critique of relationships.
Everyday
Very common to describe comfortable physical spaces, weather, clothing, and feelings.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cousy”
- Misspelling according to variety (using 'cosy' in AmE text or 'cozy' in BrE text). Overusing to translate 'уютный' in inappropriate formal contexts. Confusing 'homely' (pleasant and simple in BrE, unattractive in AmE) with 'cozy/cosy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's purely a spelling difference. 'Cosy' is the standard British English spelling, while 'cozy' is standard in American English.
Not directly. You describe a person's *feeling* ('I feel cozy') or their *appearance* in an environment ('She looks cozy in that chair'), but not their inherent character.
In personal contexts, yes. In business, political, or journalistic contexts, it is almost always negative, implying a relationship that is too close, secretive, and potentially corrupt or collusive.
A thick, often decorative cloth cover placed over a teapot to keep the tea warm. It's a common domestic object in British and Commonwealth cultures.
comfortable, warm, and giving a feeling of pleasant relaxation or intimacy.
Cousy is usually informal, neutral. 'cosy' spelling is standard in british english; 'cozy' is standard in american english. the connotation of 'improperly close' (e.g., a cozy relationship) is more formal/institutional. in register.
Cousy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊzi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊzi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cozy/cosy as a bug in a rug”
- “a cozy/cosy little arrangement”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COSy (or COZy) cat curled up on a SOFA – both words share the 'O' sound for a round, comfortable shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS WARMTH / INTIMACY IS PHYSICAL CLOSENESS / SAFETY IS ENCLOSURE
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'cozy/cosy' most likely be NEGATIVE or critical?