hosing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Low frequency, primarily technical or informal)Informal / Technical / Slang
Quick answer
What does “hosing” mean?
The act of spraying or dousing something with a strong stream of water, typically using a hose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of spraying or dousing something with a strong stream of water, typically using a hose.
In informal contexts, especially in US slang, it can mean 'cheating' or 'defrauding' someone, or subjecting them to harsh treatment or criticism. In finance, 'hosing' can refer to a severe financial loss.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal meaning is understood in both varieties. The slang meanings (to cheat, to lose badly) are far more prevalent in American English.
Connotations
In British English, it's almost exclusively literal. In American English, the slang use carries strong negative connotations of unfairness or defeat.
Frequency
Rare in formal British English; occasional in informal American English.
Grammar
How to Use “hosing” in a Sentence
[subject] + be + hosing + [object] (The firefighters were hosing the building)[subject] + give + [indirect object] + a hosing (The market gave investors a hosing)[subject] + get + a hosing (Our team got a real hosing in the playoffs)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hosing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the muddy football match, the groundskeeper spent an hour hosing down the changing room floor.
- The council recommends hosing your bin weekly to prevent odours.
American English
- I got hosed on that used car deal—the engine died a week later.
- The firefighters are still hosing the smouldering wreckage.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The hosing equipment was stored in the shed.
- A regular hosing schedule keeps the yard clean.
American English
- It was a hosing defeat for the home team.
- He pulled a real hosing move by selling those faulty parts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new tariffs hosed our profit margins for the quarter." (AmE, informal)
Academic
Rare. Possibly in environmental science: "The effect of periodic hosing on biofilm formation."
Everyday
"I'll be out hosing down the patio before the guests arrive."
Technical
"The cooling system involves constant hosing of the condenser coils."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hosing”
- Misspelling as 'hosting'.
- Using the slang meaning in formal UK contexts where it would be misunderstood.
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'He hosed down the car' is correct; 'He hosed the car down' is also correct. 'He hosed the car' is less common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its literal use is neutral but practical/technical. Its figurative meanings are firmly informal or slang.
They are different words. 'Hosing' involves water from a hose. 'Hosting' involves entertaining guests or running a server/event. They are pronounced differently (/ˈhoʊzɪŋ/ vs /ˈhoʊstɪŋ/).
The literal act can be positive (e.g., cleaning a cool patio on a hot day). The slang meanings are almost exclusively negative, involving loss, cheating, or harsh treatment.
No, it is very rare. A British listener would likely interpret 'hosing' only in its literal sense unless the context strongly suggested otherwise.
The act of spraying or dousing something with a strong stream of water, typically using a hose.
Hosing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊzɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊzɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take a hosing (suffer a heavy financial loss or defeat)”
- “give someone a hosing (to cheat or defeat someone soundly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GARDEN HOSE + ING (action). The action of using a hose is HOSING.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ DEFEAT IS A FORCE OF NATURE (e.g., 'The press hosed the minister with questions', 'We got hosed in the deal').
Practice
Quiz
In American informal slang, 'We got hosed on that contract' most likely means: