goose step: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, Military, Critical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “goose step” mean?
A military marching step where the leg is swung forward stiffly and kept straight from the knee.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military marching step where the leg is swung forward stiffly and kept straight from the knee.
An authoritarian, mindlessly disciplined, or excessively rigid way of behaving or thinking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is recognized and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identically strong historical and negative connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media and historical discourse due to geographical proximity to its European origins, but very low frequency in everyday language in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “goose step” in a Sentence
[subject] goose-step (verb)the goose step (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goose step” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The historical re-enactment group practised goose-stepping across the field.
- The documentary showed troops goose-stepping past the Reichstag.
American English
- The dictator insisted his guards goose-step during the ceremony.
- They were criticized for goose-stepping in lockstep with the party's ideology.
adverb
British English
- The soldiers marched goose-step in perfect unison. (rare)
American English
- (Adverbial use is very rare; typically expressed via the verb 'goose-step'.)
adjective
British English
- He was accused of having a goose-step mentality.
- The training had a goose-step rigidity about it.
American English
- The new regulations imposed a goose-step conformity on the staff.
- It was a goose-step approach to innovation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively and critically to describe an oppressive, micro-managed corporate culture.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and military studies contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; if used, it's in a critical or joking figurative sense.
Technical
A precise term in military history and drill.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goose step”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goose step”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goose step”
- Confusing it with a generic 'march'.
- Using it in a positive or neutral context.
- Misspelling as 'goosestep' (though the verb form is often hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While most strongly associated with Nazi Germany due to its prominent use in propaganda, the goose step originated earlier with Prussian military traditions and is still used ceremonially by some nations today, like Chile and China.
Yes, the verb form is 'to goose-step' (often hyphenated). Example: 'The soldiers goose-stepped across the square.'
When referring to the historical military march, it is a neutral technical term. However, its figurative use is almost always negative and critical, implying authoritarianism and mindless conformity, which could offend those being described.
Yes, several countries, including Russia, China, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba, use a form of the goose step in ceremonial parades. It is not used for practical marching, only for display.
A military marching step where the leg is swung forward stiffly and kept straight from the knee.
Goose step is usually historical, military, critical, figurative in register.
Goose step: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːs step/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːs step/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The company's management demanded a corporate goose step from all employees.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a goose walking stiffly with straight legs. Now imagine soldiers marching exactly like that—it's the goose step.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGIDITY IS MINDLESS OBEDIENCE / DISCIPLINE IS A STIFF MARCH.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'goose step' when used figuratively?