Goosing

/ˈɡuːsɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The act of pinching or poking someone, especially on the buttocks, as a prank or playful gesture; also means to increase engine throttle suddenly.

Etymology

From 'goose' used as a verb (to poke or prod like a goose might). The automotive sense emerged in 20th-century slang, possibly from the sudden jerking motion resembling a bird's movement.

Kelly Says

This word has two completely different meanings that reveal something about how language evolves—the pranking sense is old folk behavior, but 'goosing an engine' is modern mechanic jargon, showing how old words get new lives with new technology!

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