smush: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “smush” mean?
To press, squeeze, or crush something into a soft, shapeless mass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To press, squeeze, or crush something into a soft, shapeless mass.
Informally, to press or squash something with force, often destroying its original shape; sometimes used in computing to refer to merging or combining elements (e.g., features, layers). Can also describe moving physically closer in a crowded space.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in the UK but is predominantly a North American informal term. In UK English, 'squash' or 'squelch' are more frequent informal equivalents.
Connotations
In US English, it has a slightly childish or humorous connotation. In UK English, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Significantly more common in American English, particularly in casual speech. Very low frequency in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “smush” in a Sentence
smush somethingsmush something together/into/against somethingget smushedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “smush” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Be careful not to smush the pastries in the bag.
- The kids tried to smush the modelling clay into one big ball.
American English
- I accidentally smushed my sandwich in my backpack.
- Smush the avocado with a fork for the guacamole.
adjective
American English
- The cake was all smush after being in the hot car. (Very informal, rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; only in very informal internal communication, perhaps humorously referring to consolidating plans or data.
Academic
Virtually non-existent.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in casual conversation, especially with children, about food, play-dough, bugs, or crowded situations.
Technical
Limited; occasionally in informal computing/design contexts ("smush these layers together").
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “smush”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'smash' (which implies hard objects breaking).
- Using it as a noun excessively (though 'a smush' is possible, 'smoosh' is a more common variant for the noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is recognized in major dictionaries as an informal verb meaning to crush or squeeze something into a soft mass.
'Smush' is more informal, playful, and often implies a messier, less controlled action that results in a soft, shapeless state. 'Squash' is more standard and can apply to a wider range of materials (hard or soft).
Yes, but it's less common than the verb. The variant 'smoosh' is often preferred for the noun form (e.g., "a smoosh of paint").
Yes, etymologically. 'Smush' is believed to be a blend of 'smash' and 'mush', which perfectly captures its meaning of forceful, messy softening.
To press, squeeze, or crush something into a soft, shapeless mass.
Smush is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Smush: in British English it is pronounced /smʌʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /smʌʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “smush face (a playful term for pressing one's face against something or making a funny face)”
- “Don't smush my style! (Very informal, meaning 'don't ruin my plans/vibe')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'SMU-SH' as you push a ripe banana with your thumb – it makes a soft, mushy, squashing sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTACLES ARE COMPRESSIBLE OBJECTS ("The traffic smushed us all together.")
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'smush' LEAST appropriate?