goose
B1Neutral to informal (depending on sense). The bird sense is neutral; the 'foolish person' sense is informal/slang; the verb 'to goose' is informal.
Definition
Meaning
A large waterbird with a long neck, short legs, webbed feet, and a broad bill, known for its honking sound and migratory habits.
The flesh of the goose as food; a stupid or foolish person (slang); a tailor's smoothing iron (historical, from the shape of its handle); to poke someone between the buttocks as a prank (verb).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The plural is 'geese'. The word can refer to the female bird specifically, with 'gander' for the male. It carries connotations of silliness, nervousness ('goose bumps'), and, in idioms, of wastefulness or finality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal for the primary noun sense. The verb 'to goose' (to poke) is more common in AmE. The idiom 'wild goose chase' is identical. 'Goose pimples' is slightly more common in BrE, while 'goose bumps' is dominant in AmE.
Connotations
Largely shared. The bird is associated with farmyards, Christmas dinner (UK) or Thanksgiving (US), and foolishness.
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency for the noun. The culinary term might be slightly more frequent in UK English due to traditional Christmas dinners.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (countable)V + OBJ (informal: to goose someone)Adj + N (roast goose)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A wild goose chase”
- “Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs”
- “What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”
- “Your goose is cooked”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in metaphors: 'That marketing plan is a wild goose chase.'
Academic
Rare in sciences outside ornithology/biology. Used in literature (e.g., Mother Goose rhymes).
Everyday
Common for the bird, the food, and idioms. 'I've got goose bumps!'
Technical
Primarily in ornithology, agriculture, and culinary contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He goosed his brother to make him jump.
- The comedian was accused of goosing a fellow actor backstage.
American English
- She goosed him in the ribs as a joke.
- Don't you dare goose me!
adverb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adjective
British English
- -
American English
- -
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The grey goose swam on the lake.
- We eat roast goose for Christmas.
- A flock of geese flew south for the winter.
- Don't be such a silly goose!
- The detective realised he'd been sent on a wild goose chase.
- She got goose pimples from the cold wind.
- Their short-sighted policy killed the goose that laid the golden eggs, destroying their main source of revenue.
- The tailor carefully ran the goose over the seam to press it flat.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'loose' but with a 'G' – a goose is often loose on the pond.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOLISHNESS IS GOOSE-LIKE BEHAVIOUR (silly goose). A FUTILE TASK IS CHASING A WILD GOOSE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'гусь' (gander/male goose). В английском 'goose' общее название птицы, но конкретно самца называют 'gander'.
- Идиома 'wild goose chase' — это 'бессмысленная погоня/затея', а не просто 'охота на дикого гуся'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'gooses' as the plural (incorrect: 'geese').
- Confusing 'goose' (bird) with 'ghost'.
- Using the 'foolish person' sense in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'a wild goose chase' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'geese', following an old Germanic vowel-change pattern (like foot/feet, tooth/teeth).
Yes, informally. 'To goose' means to poke someone between the buttocks as a surprise or prank. It can also mean to give something a boost or increase (e.g., 'to goose the engine').
A 'goose' can refer to the bird in general or specifically to a female. A 'gander' refers specifically to a male goose.
It is mildly informal and teasing, often used affectionately with children or close friends. It is not a strong insult but would be inappropriate in formal contexts.