hosey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “hosey” mean?
To claim or reserve something for oneself, often by calling dibs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To claim or reserve something for oneself, often by calling dibs.
To aggressively or playfully assert a right to use or possess an object, seat, or opportunity before others; can imply a sense of entitlement through prior declaration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unused in standard British English. In American English, it is known but considered highly regional (e.g., parts of the Northeast like Boston) and informal. Its primary stronghold is in Irish English.
Connotations
Playful, childish, or slightly assertive. In Ireland, it's a common part of childhood lexicon.
Frequency
Extremely rare in most of the UK and US. Common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities.
Grammar
How to Use “hosey” in a Sentence
[Person] hoseys [Object][Person] hoseys [Object] for [themselves/another]"Hosey!" (as an exclamation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hosey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to hosey the window seat before anyone else got on the bus.
American English
- She quickly hoseyed the controller so she could pick the game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in casual, family, or friendly settings to playfully claim objects or turns.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hosey”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is universally understood in English.
- Spelling as 'hosey', 'hosie', or 'hozie' (standard is 'hosey').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is considered informal, regional (primarily Irish English), and is not found in most standard dictionaries.
They are synonyms meaning 'to claim.' 'Bagsy' (or 'bags') is more common in the UK, while 'hosey' is chiefly Irish. 'Dibs' is the common US equivalent.
Yes, though usage is rare. The past tense would be 'hoseyed' (e.g., 'I hoseyed it first, so it's mine').
It depends on context and tone. Among friends or family, it's usually playful. In a more serious or formal situation, it could be seen as childish or presumptuous.
To claim or reserve something for oneself, often by calling dibs.
Hosey is usually informal in register.
Hosey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊzi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊzi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"I hosey not it!" (declining a claim)”
- “"No hoseying back!" (rules against retracting a claim)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOSE spraying water on a chair to 'claim' it and keep others away: HOSEY it!
Conceptual Metaphor
CLAIMING IS MARKING TERRITORY (like an animal marking its space).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'hosey' MOST LIKELY be used appropriately?