To flow out suddenly in large amounts, or to talk enthusiastically and emotionally about something you admire.
From Middle English 'gushen,' possibly from Old Norse 'gusa' meaning to spill. The term has meant both physical flowing (since 1300s) and excessive enthusiasm (since 1800s).
The double meaning of 'gush'—literal outpouring and emotional excess—is interesting because they work together in language: both describe something overwhelming and hard to control, which is why a celebrity fan might literally gush with excitement while metaphorically gushing praise.
Coded as feminine exuberance or emotional excess; when men express passion, it is 'enthusiasm' or 'conviction,' while women 'gush.' Encodes skepticism toward women's expressiveness.
Use 'express enthusiastically,' 'speak passionately,' or 'convey excitement' regardless of gender.
["express enthusiastically","speak passionately","convey excitement","articulate warmly"]
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