go fish: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “go fish” mean?
A simple card game for children where players ask each other for specific cards to form pairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple card game for children where players ask each other for specific cards to form pairs.
The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where one must search or inquire for something, often with uncertain results. In a very specific slang context (chiefly UK), it can be a rude dismissal or a command to literally leave and go fishing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both recognize 'Go Fish' as the card game. The imperative slang dismissal 'go fish!' (meaning 'get lost') is more commonly attested in British sources, though it's not widespread. The card game name is standard in both.
Connotations
The card game connotes childhood, simplicity, and family games. The slang use connotes strong irritation and dismissal.
Frequency
The term is low-frequency overall, known primarily for the game. Its metaphorical use is rare.
Grammar
How to Use “go fish” in a Sentence
Let's play [a game of] Go Fish.Player X: 'Do you have any queens?' Player Y: 'Go fish!'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go fish” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The response to a failed request in the game is always 'Go fish!'
- (Slang) He annoyed me so I told him to go fish.
American English
- When you don't have the card, you say, 'Go fish.'
- It's your turn to ask, or tell someone to go fish.
adjective
British English
- We need a Go Fish rule refresher.
- It was a classic Go Fish moment.
American English
- He has a Go Fish strategy.
- The Go Fish deck is shuffled.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely, except in metaphorical jest ('If you want that report, you'll have to go fish in the old server').
Academic
Only in studies of games, child development, or linguistics.
Everyday
Primarily in the context of playing games with children or recalling childhood.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “go fish”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go fish”
- Writing it as one word: 'gofish'.
- Using it as a general verb phrase ('I go fish every weekend') in place of the proper name of the game.
- Capitalization inconsistency. As a proper game name, it is often capitalized: 'Go Fish'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is conventional to capitalise it as the proper name of the game (Go Fish), but in informal writing it's sometimes in lowercase.
Not in standard English related to the game. It is a fixed phrase. Literally, one could say 'I go fishing', but 'go fish' as a verb phrase is non-standard outside the game's call or slang.
It's the same game with the same name in both varieties. There is no common alternative name like 'Fish' or 'Authors' for the exact same game.
You hand over all cards of that rank to the asker, and they get another turn.
A simple card game for children where players ask each other for specific cards to form pairs.
Go fish is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Go fish: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ ˈfɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ ˈfɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Go fish!' (as a metaphorical suggestion to search for something oneself)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child holding a fishing rod, trying to 'catch' the right card from the 'pond' (the draw pile).
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION SEEKING IS FISHING. The game frames the act of requesting a card as casting a line into an unknown pool.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'Go fish' LEAST likely to be used?