gosse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial, dated.
Quick answer
What does “gosse” mean?
A young boy, a kid, a lad.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A young boy, a kid, a lad.
A colloquial, often affectionate or familiar term for a young male child. In some contexts, it can be used to refer to a young man, especially one who is behaving in a boyish or immature way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare and non-standard in both varieties. Any usage would likely be in a specific context (e.g., discussing French literature or culture). There is no significant dialectal difference.
Connotations
If used, it carries a distinctly foreign (French) flavour. It may sound quaint, literary, or deliberately affected.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Most English dictionaries do not list it. It is not a word an English learner would need for active use.
Grammar
How to Use “gosse” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + gosseAdjective + gosseVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in specific contexts like French literature or cultural studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gosse”
- Using it in general English contexts.
- Pronouncing it as /ɡoʊs/ (like 'goes').
- Assuming it is a common or modern English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a French word that may appear in English texts for stylistic or cultural reasons, but it is not a standard part of the English lexicon.
No. For 'boy' or 'kid', use the standard English terms. Learn to recognize 'gosse' only for reading comprehension in specific contexts.
In the rare instances it is used in English, the French plural 'gosses' would typically be retained.
'Garçon' means 'boy' or 'waiter' and is more widely recognized in English. 'Gosse' is more colloquial and specific, meaning 'kid' or 'urchin', and is far less known.
A young boy, a kid, a lad.
Gosse is usually informal, colloquial, dated. in register.
Gosse: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɑːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common English idioms using this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GOSSE' as a 'GOSe' that a little French boy might chase. The word is for a boy and sounds French.
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUTH IS SMALLNESS / INEXPERIENCE (as with 'kid', 'sprout').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gosse' most likely to be encountered in English?