Word meaning “to startle someone by surreptitiously poking them in the sides, from behind”












4















I inadvertently caused a great deal of amusement among a group of friends by incorrectly using the word "goose" to describe the action of sneaking up behind a person and poking, tickling, or touching them simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage) in order to startle them.



The intended usage (that is to say, "the only relevant meaning of this word inside my head") additionally implies that the target of this action would be person who would not find the behavior objectionable or inappropriate.



As it turns out, the way my comment was interpreted by everyone present was consistent with the only American English definition for "to goose" that is even remotely similar to what I intended. It is a slang definition that refers to surprise contact occurring somewhat lower and toward the back (specifically, on or between the buttocks, like the surprise nipping of a goose), and often with a negative or invasive connotation. British English appears to have a similarly negative and sexual – though perhaps less anatomically precise – slang definition.



Is there any genuinely plausible sense (or perhaps a regional vernacular, particularly in the United States) in which my usage was correct? As a native speaker, I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning than it apparently does, and if there's a sensible explanation of how I inferred its meaning incorrectly (such as, "well, that is what people mean when they say it in Central Kansas") then I am curious to know.



I did find in informal definition "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction" but this seems like it might be a stretch, and in any event this is overshadowed by the fact that it is not the sense of the word that was obvious to any of the hearers.



I am inclined (now) to think there may not be a sense in which my usage could reasonably construed as correct, and if that is indeed the case, then is there actually a word to specifically describe using this tactic of surprise touch to the sides, from behind, in order to startle someone, particularly in a non-sexual sense among friends?










share|improve this question























  • There is absolutely no sense, whatever, in which your usage was correct. "goose" only means "on the crack" "in the crack" or perhaps at best "sexually on , in, or around 'the ass'". same in all regions. "I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning" I find it utterly commonplace that people (including myself) have unique unusual misunderstandings of words; there is nothing to explain.

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:56













  • Regarding the "double tickle from behind" there's no single common term for that. When you say "poke" it's usually understood to mean a light-hearted poke, somewhere innocent (as opposed to a goose or perhaps pinch) - so that's something of an answer. {Note though that "poke" can be a light-hearted term for "have intercourse" in, say, Australia.)

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:58






  • 1





    I know how you came to believe it was innocuous. The children's game Duck, Duck, Goose!.

    – jxh
    Sep 18 '15 at 23:53


















4















I inadvertently caused a great deal of amusement among a group of friends by incorrectly using the word "goose" to describe the action of sneaking up behind a person and poking, tickling, or touching them simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage) in order to startle them.



The intended usage (that is to say, "the only relevant meaning of this word inside my head") additionally implies that the target of this action would be person who would not find the behavior objectionable or inappropriate.



As it turns out, the way my comment was interpreted by everyone present was consistent with the only American English definition for "to goose" that is even remotely similar to what I intended. It is a slang definition that refers to surprise contact occurring somewhat lower and toward the back (specifically, on or between the buttocks, like the surprise nipping of a goose), and often with a negative or invasive connotation. British English appears to have a similarly negative and sexual – though perhaps less anatomically precise – slang definition.



Is there any genuinely plausible sense (or perhaps a regional vernacular, particularly in the United States) in which my usage was correct? As a native speaker, I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning than it apparently does, and if there's a sensible explanation of how I inferred its meaning incorrectly (such as, "well, that is what people mean when they say it in Central Kansas") then I am curious to know.



I did find in informal definition "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction" but this seems like it might be a stretch, and in any event this is overshadowed by the fact that it is not the sense of the word that was obvious to any of the hearers.



I am inclined (now) to think there may not be a sense in which my usage could reasonably construed as correct, and if that is indeed the case, then is there actually a word to specifically describe using this tactic of surprise touch to the sides, from behind, in order to startle someone, particularly in a non-sexual sense among friends?










share|improve this question























  • There is absolutely no sense, whatever, in which your usage was correct. "goose" only means "on the crack" "in the crack" or perhaps at best "sexually on , in, or around 'the ass'". same in all regions. "I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning" I find it utterly commonplace that people (including myself) have unique unusual misunderstandings of words; there is nothing to explain.

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:56













  • Regarding the "double tickle from behind" there's no single common term for that. When you say "poke" it's usually understood to mean a light-hearted poke, somewhere innocent (as opposed to a goose or perhaps pinch) - so that's something of an answer. {Note though that "poke" can be a light-hearted term for "have intercourse" in, say, Australia.)

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:58






  • 1





    I know how you came to believe it was innocuous. The children's game Duck, Duck, Goose!.

    – jxh
    Sep 18 '15 at 23:53
















4












4








4


2






I inadvertently caused a great deal of amusement among a group of friends by incorrectly using the word "goose" to describe the action of sneaking up behind a person and poking, tickling, or touching them simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage) in order to startle them.



The intended usage (that is to say, "the only relevant meaning of this word inside my head") additionally implies that the target of this action would be person who would not find the behavior objectionable or inappropriate.



As it turns out, the way my comment was interpreted by everyone present was consistent with the only American English definition for "to goose" that is even remotely similar to what I intended. It is a slang definition that refers to surprise contact occurring somewhat lower and toward the back (specifically, on or between the buttocks, like the surprise nipping of a goose), and often with a negative or invasive connotation. British English appears to have a similarly negative and sexual – though perhaps less anatomically precise – slang definition.



Is there any genuinely plausible sense (or perhaps a regional vernacular, particularly in the United States) in which my usage was correct? As a native speaker, I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning than it apparently does, and if there's a sensible explanation of how I inferred its meaning incorrectly (such as, "well, that is what people mean when they say it in Central Kansas") then I am curious to know.



I did find in informal definition "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction" but this seems like it might be a stretch, and in any event this is overshadowed by the fact that it is not the sense of the word that was obvious to any of the hearers.



I am inclined (now) to think there may not be a sense in which my usage could reasonably construed as correct, and if that is indeed the case, then is there actually a word to specifically describe using this tactic of surprise touch to the sides, from behind, in order to startle someone, particularly in a non-sexual sense among friends?










share|improve this question














I inadvertently caused a great deal of amusement among a group of friends by incorrectly using the word "goose" to describe the action of sneaking up behind a person and poking, tickling, or touching them simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage) in order to startle them.



The intended usage (that is to say, "the only relevant meaning of this word inside my head") additionally implies that the target of this action would be person who would not find the behavior objectionable or inappropriate.



As it turns out, the way my comment was interpreted by everyone present was consistent with the only American English definition for "to goose" that is even remotely similar to what I intended. It is a slang definition that refers to surprise contact occurring somewhat lower and toward the back (specifically, on or between the buttocks, like the surprise nipping of a goose), and often with a negative or invasive connotation. British English appears to have a similarly negative and sexual – though perhaps less anatomically precise – slang definition.



Is there any genuinely plausible sense (or perhaps a regional vernacular, particularly in the United States) in which my usage was correct? As a native speaker, I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning than it apparently does, and if there's a sensible explanation of how I inferred its meaning incorrectly (such as, "well, that is what people mean when they say it in Central Kansas") then I am curious to know.



I did find in informal definition "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction" but this seems like it might be a stretch, and in any event this is overshadowed by the fact that it is not the sense of the word that was obvious to any of the hearers.



I am inclined (now) to think there may not be a sense in which my usage could reasonably construed as correct, and if that is indeed the case, then is there actually a word to specifically describe using this tactic of surprise touch to the sides, from behind, in order to startle someone, particularly in a non-sexual sense among friends?







single-word-requests slang colloquialisms






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asked Sep 18 '15 at 18:49









Michael - sqlbotMichael - sqlbot

17317




17317













  • There is absolutely no sense, whatever, in which your usage was correct. "goose" only means "on the crack" "in the crack" or perhaps at best "sexually on , in, or around 'the ass'". same in all regions. "I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning" I find it utterly commonplace that people (including myself) have unique unusual misunderstandings of words; there is nothing to explain.

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:56













  • Regarding the "double tickle from behind" there's no single common term for that. When you say "poke" it's usually understood to mean a light-hearted poke, somewhere innocent (as opposed to a goose or perhaps pinch) - so that's something of an answer. {Note though that "poke" can be a light-hearted term for "have intercourse" in, say, Australia.)

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:58






  • 1





    I know how you came to believe it was innocuous. The children's game Duck, Duck, Goose!.

    – jxh
    Sep 18 '15 at 23:53





















  • There is absolutely no sense, whatever, in which your usage was correct. "goose" only means "on the crack" "in the crack" or perhaps at best "sexually on , in, or around 'the ass'". same in all regions. "I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning" I find it utterly commonplace that people (including myself) have unique unusual misunderstandings of words; there is nothing to explain.

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:56













  • Regarding the "double tickle from behind" there's no single common term for that. When you say "poke" it's usually understood to mean a light-hearted poke, somewhere innocent (as opposed to a goose or perhaps pinch) - so that's something of an answer. {Note though that "poke" can be a light-hearted term for "have intercourse" in, say, Australia.)

    – Fattie
    Sep 18 '15 at 18:58






  • 1





    I know how you came to believe it was innocuous. The children's game Duck, Duck, Goose!.

    – jxh
    Sep 18 '15 at 23:53



















There is absolutely no sense, whatever, in which your usage was correct. "goose" only means "on the crack" "in the crack" or perhaps at best "sexually on , in, or around 'the ass'". same in all regions. "I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning" I find it utterly commonplace that people (including myself) have unique unusual misunderstandings of words; there is nothing to explain.

– Fattie
Sep 18 '15 at 18:56







There is absolutely no sense, whatever, in which your usage was correct. "goose" only means "on the crack" "in the crack" or perhaps at best "sexually on , in, or around 'the ass'". same in all regions. "I'm confused about how I came to believe that this usage of the word had a different meaning" I find it utterly commonplace that people (including myself) have unique unusual misunderstandings of words; there is nothing to explain.

– Fattie
Sep 18 '15 at 18:56















Regarding the "double tickle from behind" there's no single common term for that. When you say "poke" it's usually understood to mean a light-hearted poke, somewhere innocent (as opposed to a goose or perhaps pinch) - so that's something of an answer. {Note though that "poke" can be a light-hearted term for "have intercourse" in, say, Australia.)

– Fattie
Sep 18 '15 at 18:58





Regarding the "double tickle from behind" there's no single common term for that. When you say "poke" it's usually understood to mean a light-hearted poke, somewhere innocent (as opposed to a goose or perhaps pinch) - so that's something of an answer. {Note though that "poke" can be a light-hearted term for "have intercourse" in, say, Australia.)

– Fattie
Sep 18 '15 at 18:58




1




1





I know how you came to believe it was innocuous. The children's game Duck, Duck, Goose!.

– jxh
Sep 18 '15 at 23:53







I know how you came to believe it was innocuous. The children's game Duck, Duck, Goose!.

– jxh
Sep 18 '15 at 23:53












4 Answers
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Your sense is not a stretch, although a bit too precise in the "simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage)" element.





  1. slang. To poke, tickle, etc., (a person) in a sensitive part, esp. the genital or anal regions; sometimes, more specifically, = fuck v. 1.


....



1906 Dial. Notes 3 138 Goose, to create nervous excitement in a person by pointing a finger at him or by touching or tickling him and making a peculiar whistle.



1932 J. T. Farrell Young Lonigan v. 205 Paulie slapped Denny's face. Denny bawled... Paulie goosed him. Denny squirmed.



...



1967 E. Partridge Dict. Slang Suppl. 1152/2 Goose, the predominant post-World War II meaning is ‘to jab a finger in ano, in order to surprise or annoy’.




["goose, v.". OED Online. September 2015. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/80030 (accessed September 18, 2015).]



As you can see from the sequence of quotes and the meaning of the final one, if your sense was transmitted to you by someone, a grandparent for example, who learned the term before the end of WWII (during which the sense of 'to goose' was considerably vulgarized by soldiers), the sense you learned would correspond with what that person was likely to have encountered--aside from the precision I already pointed out.



Nonetheless, your use of the term with the sense you learned is now much more likely to evoke the more vulgar sense than what you intend, even imprecisely (a simple poke to startle)...although I, for one, depending on the context (and particularly the speaker or writer) understand it in the general sense "to poke, tickle, etc., in a sensitive part", rather than the more specific, vulgar sense commonly used.



If you're looking for a replacement phrase or term, what I've heard used is "a poke in the ribs", as in




1949 Lockhart (Texas) Post-Reg. 3 Mar. She laughed and gave him a discomposing poke in the ribs.




This is the common contemporary phrase closest in meaning to your sense of 'a goose'. Obviously it moves the location you specified upward on the torso, omits the simultaneous duality of your poke, and doesn't accommodate concise verbal use.






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    1














    I agree with Joe Blow's comment - "goose" as a verb invariably means "to grab in the buttocks." As a somewhat reputable example, it's classed under "Romantic Interactions" in the life simulation video game The Sims 2, one of the best-selling PC video games of all time. Here's a video of the action being performed in-game.



    Moving on to a better-suited word: when I was in elementary school (5 - 6 years ago), the word of choice to describe that exact action was taze. The second definition on Urban Dictionary confirms this, with 49 upvotes.




    taze

    when someone pokes your sides from behind

    guy : tazes girl

    girl :hahahah stop it! :)

    by aurora_is_ninja December 24, 2010




    This isn't the best word that could be used to describe this, as it has a homophone tase, which means "to shoot with a Taser gun" (Merriam-Webster) - obviously a much more shocking action than your intent.



    I haven't heard this word used since about 2010, but I would still recognise its meaning if someone said it to me today. I'm Canadian, so I can't speak for its use elsewhere.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 3





      I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

      – AndyT
      Jan 27 '16 at 11:51



















    0














    Ok, well, poking someone above the waist and below the ribcage is called "tasering" like EVERYWHERE. People who poke you there it makes you feel tickly.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2





      Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

      – Michael - sqlbot
      Mar 4 '17 at 14:25



















    0














    My experience is that Goose is specific to the round back area. Personally I use the word exactly as defined "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction", esp in the AD biz when referring to a desired action by the client/consumer. Not sure why that particular definition is surprising to you...






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      4 Answers
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      4 Answers
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      Your sense is not a stretch, although a bit too precise in the "simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage)" element.





      1. slang. To poke, tickle, etc., (a person) in a sensitive part, esp. the genital or anal regions; sometimes, more specifically, = fuck v. 1.


      ....



      1906 Dial. Notes 3 138 Goose, to create nervous excitement in a person by pointing a finger at him or by touching or tickling him and making a peculiar whistle.



      1932 J. T. Farrell Young Lonigan v. 205 Paulie slapped Denny's face. Denny bawled... Paulie goosed him. Denny squirmed.



      ...



      1967 E. Partridge Dict. Slang Suppl. 1152/2 Goose, the predominant post-World War II meaning is ‘to jab a finger in ano, in order to surprise or annoy’.




      ["goose, v.". OED Online. September 2015. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/80030 (accessed September 18, 2015).]



      As you can see from the sequence of quotes and the meaning of the final one, if your sense was transmitted to you by someone, a grandparent for example, who learned the term before the end of WWII (during which the sense of 'to goose' was considerably vulgarized by soldiers), the sense you learned would correspond with what that person was likely to have encountered--aside from the precision I already pointed out.



      Nonetheless, your use of the term with the sense you learned is now much more likely to evoke the more vulgar sense than what you intend, even imprecisely (a simple poke to startle)...although I, for one, depending on the context (and particularly the speaker or writer) understand it in the general sense "to poke, tickle, etc., in a sensitive part", rather than the more specific, vulgar sense commonly used.



      If you're looking for a replacement phrase or term, what I've heard used is "a poke in the ribs", as in




      1949 Lockhart (Texas) Post-Reg. 3 Mar. She laughed and gave him a discomposing poke in the ribs.




      This is the common contemporary phrase closest in meaning to your sense of 'a goose'. Obviously it moves the location you specified upward on the torso, omits the simultaneous duality of your poke, and doesn't accommodate concise verbal use.






      share|improve this answer






























        2














        Your sense is not a stretch, although a bit too precise in the "simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage)" element.





        1. slang. To poke, tickle, etc., (a person) in a sensitive part, esp. the genital or anal regions; sometimes, more specifically, = fuck v. 1.


        ....



        1906 Dial. Notes 3 138 Goose, to create nervous excitement in a person by pointing a finger at him or by touching or tickling him and making a peculiar whistle.



        1932 J. T. Farrell Young Lonigan v. 205 Paulie slapped Denny's face. Denny bawled... Paulie goosed him. Denny squirmed.



        ...



        1967 E. Partridge Dict. Slang Suppl. 1152/2 Goose, the predominant post-World War II meaning is ‘to jab a finger in ano, in order to surprise or annoy’.




        ["goose, v.". OED Online. September 2015. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/80030 (accessed September 18, 2015).]



        As you can see from the sequence of quotes and the meaning of the final one, if your sense was transmitted to you by someone, a grandparent for example, who learned the term before the end of WWII (during which the sense of 'to goose' was considerably vulgarized by soldiers), the sense you learned would correspond with what that person was likely to have encountered--aside from the precision I already pointed out.



        Nonetheless, your use of the term with the sense you learned is now much more likely to evoke the more vulgar sense than what you intend, even imprecisely (a simple poke to startle)...although I, for one, depending on the context (and particularly the speaker or writer) understand it in the general sense "to poke, tickle, etc., in a sensitive part", rather than the more specific, vulgar sense commonly used.



        If you're looking for a replacement phrase or term, what I've heard used is "a poke in the ribs", as in




        1949 Lockhart (Texas) Post-Reg. 3 Mar. She laughed and gave him a discomposing poke in the ribs.




        This is the common contemporary phrase closest in meaning to your sense of 'a goose'. Obviously it moves the location you specified upward on the torso, omits the simultaneous duality of your poke, and doesn't accommodate concise verbal use.






        share|improve this answer




























          2












          2








          2







          Your sense is not a stretch, although a bit too precise in the "simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage)" element.





          1. slang. To poke, tickle, etc., (a person) in a sensitive part, esp. the genital or anal regions; sometimes, more specifically, = fuck v. 1.


          ....



          1906 Dial. Notes 3 138 Goose, to create nervous excitement in a person by pointing a finger at him or by touching or tickling him and making a peculiar whistle.



          1932 J. T. Farrell Young Lonigan v. 205 Paulie slapped Denny's face. Denny bawled... Paulie goosed him. Denny squirmed.



          ...



          1967 E. Partridge Dict. Slang Suppl. 1152/2 Goose, the predominant post-World War II meaning is ‘to jab a finger in ano, in order to surprise or annoy’.




          ["goose, v.". OED Online. September 2015. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/80030 (accessed September 18, 2015).]



          As you can see from the sequence of quotes and the meaning of the final one, if your sense was transmitted to you by someone, a grandparent for example, who learned the term before the end of WWII (during which the sense of 'to goose' was considerably vulgarized by soldiers), the sense you learned would correspond with what that person was likely to have encountered--aside from the precision I already pointed out.



          Nonetheless, your use of the term with the sense you learned is now much more likely to evoke the more vulgar sense than what you intend, even imprecisely (a simple poke to startle)...although I, for one, depending on the context (and particularly the speaker or writer) understand it in the general sense "to poke, tickle, etc., in a sensitive part", rather than the more specific, vulgar sense commonly used.



          If you're looking for a replacement phrase or term, what I've heard used is "a poke in the ribs", as in




          1949 Lockhart (Texas) Post-Reg. 3 Mar. She laughed and gave him a discomposing poke in the ribs.




          This is the common contemporary phrase closest in meaning to your sense of 'a goose'. Obviously it moves the location you specified upward on the torso, omits the simultaneous duality of your poke, and doesn't accommodate concise verbal use.






          share|improve this answer















          Your sense is not a stretch, although a bit too precise in the "simultaneously on both sides (above the hips, below the rib cage)" element.





          1. slang. To poke, tickle, etc., (a person) in a sensitive part, esp. the genital or anal regions; sometimes, more specifically, = fuck v. 1.


          ....



          1906 Dial. Notes 3 138 Goose, to create nervous excitement in a person by pointing a finger at him or by touching or tickling him and making a peculiar whistle.



          1932 J. T. Farrell Young Lonigan v. 205 Paulie slapped Denny's face. Denny bawled... Paulie goosed him. Denny squirmed.



          ...



          1967 E. Partridge Dict. Slang Suppl. 1152/2 Goose, the predominant post-World War II meaning is ‘to jab a finger in ano, in order to surprise or annoy’.




          ["goose, v.". OED Online. September 2015. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/80030 (accessed September 18, 2015).]



          As you can see from the sequence of quotes and the meaning of the final one, if your sense was transmitted to you by someone, a grandparent for example, who learned the term before the end of WWII (during which the sense of 'to goose' was considerably vulgarized by soldiers), the sense you learned would correspond with what that person was likely to have encountered--aside from the precision I already pointed out.



          Nonetheless, your use of the term with the sense you learned is now much more likely to evoke the more vulgar sense than what you intend, even imprecisely (a simple poke to startle)...although I, for one, depending on the context (and particularly the speaker or writer) understand it in the general sense "to poke, tickle, etc., in a sensitive part", rather than the more specific, vulgar sense commonly used.



          If you're looking for a replacement phrase or term, what I've heard used is "a poke in the ribs", as in




          1949 Lockhart (Texas) Post-Reg. 3 Mar. She laughed and gave him a discomposing poke in the ribs.




          This is the common contemporary phrase closest in meaning to your sense of 'a goose'. Obviously it moves the location you specified upward on the torso, omits the simultaneous duality of your poke, and doesn't accommodate concise verbal use.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Sep 18 '15 at 20:19

























          answered Sep 18 '15 at 19:31









          JELJEL

          26.9k45190




          26.9k45190

























              1














              I agree with Joe Blow's comment - "goose" as a verb invariably means "to grab in the buttocks." As a somewhat reputable example, it's classed under "Romantic Interactions" in the life simulation video game The Sims 2, one of the best-selling PC video games of all time. Here's a video of the action being performed in-game.



              Moving on to a better-suited word: when I was in elementary school (5 - 6 years ago), the word of choice to describe that exact action was taze. The second definition on Urban Dictionary confirms this, with 49 upvotes.




              taze

              when someone pokes your sides from behind

              guy : tazes girl

              girl :hahahah stop it! :)

              by aurora_is_ninja December 24, 2010




              This isn't the best word that could be used to describe this, as it has a homophone tase, which means "to shoot with a Taser gun" (Merriam-Webster) - obviously a much more shocking action than your intent.



              I haven't heard this word used since about 2010, but I would still recognise its meaning if someone said it to me today. I'm Canadian, so I can't speak for its use elsewhere.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 3





                I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

                – AndyT
                Jan 27 '16 at 11:51
















              1














              I agree with Joe Blow's comment - "goose" as a verb invariably means "to grab in the buttocks." As a somewhat reputable example, it's classed under "Romantic Interactions" in the life simulation video game The Sims 2, one of the best-selling PC video games of all time. Here's a video of the action being performed in-game.



              Moving on to a better-suited word: when I was in elementary school (5 - 6 years ago), the word of choice to describe that exact action was taze. The second definition on Urban Dictionary confirms this, with 49 upvotes.




              taze

              when someone pokes your sides from behind

              guy : tazes girl

              girl :hahahah stop it! :)

              by aurora_is_ninja December 24, 2010




              This isn't the best word that could be used to describe this, as it has a homophone tase, which means "to shoot with a Taser gun" (Merriam-Webster) - obviously a much more shocking action than your intent.



              I haven't heard this word used since about 2010, but I would still recognise its meaning if someone said it to me today. I'm Canadian, so I can't speak for its use elsewhere.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 3





                I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

                – AndyT
                Jan 27 '16 at 11:51














              1












              1








              1







              I agree with Joe Blow's comment - "goose" as a verb invariably means "to grab in the buttocks." As a somewhat reputable example, it's classed under "Romantic Interactions" in the life simulation video game The Sims 2, one of the best-selling PC video games of all time. Here's a video of the action being performed in-game.



              Moving on to a better-suited word: when I was in elementary school (5 - 6 years ago), the word of choice to describe that exact action was taze. The second definition on Urban Dictionary confirms this, with 49 upvotes.




              taze

              when someone pokes your sides from behind

              guy : tazes girl

              girl :hahahah stop it! :)

              by aurora_is_ninja December 24, 2010




              This isn't the best word that could be used to describe this, as it has a homophone tase, which means "to shoot with a Taser gun" (Merriam-Webster) - obviously a much more shocking action than your intent.



              I haven't heard this word used since about 2010, but I would still recognise its meaning if someone said it to me today. I'm Canadian, so I can't speak for its use elsewhere.






              share|improve this answer













              I agree with Joe Blow's comment - "goose" as a verb invariably means "to grab in the buttocks." As a somewhat reputable example, it's classed under "Romantic Interactions" in the life simulation video game The Sims 2, one of the best-selling PC video games of all time. Here's a video of the action being performed in-game.



              Moving on to a better-suited word: when I was in elementary school (5 - 6 years ago), the word of choice to describe that exact action was taze. The second definition on Urban Dictionary confirms this, with 49 upvotes.




              taze

              when someone pokes your sides from behind

              guy : tazes girl

              girl :hahahah stop it! :)

              by aurora_is_ninja December 24, 2010




              This isn't the best word that could be used to describe this, as it has a homophone tase, which means "to shoot with a Taser gun" (Merriam-Webster) - obviously a much more shocking action than your intent.



              I haven't heard this word used since about 2010, but I would still recognise its meaning if someone said it to me today. I'm Canadian, so I can't speak for its use elsewhere.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Jan 27 '16 at 5:50









              OperaticSkeletonOperaticSkeleton

              487316




              487316








              • 3





                I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

                – AndyT
                Jan 27 '16 at 11:51














              • 3





                I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

                – AndyT
                Jan 27 '16 at 11:51








              3




              3





              I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

              – AndyT
              Jan 27 '16 at 11:51





              I suspect that the "taze" of poking someone is derived from the "tase" meaning to shoot with a taser gun, and is based on the similar shock effect.

              – AndyT
              Jan 27 '16 at 11:51











              0














              Ok, well, poking someone above the waist and below the ribcage is called "tasering" like EVERYWHERE. People who poke you there it makes you feel tickly.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 2





                Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

                – Michael - sqlbot
                Mar 4 '17 at 14:25
















              0














              Ok, well, poking someone above the waist and below the ribcage is called "tasering" like EVERYWHERE. People who poke you there it makes you feel tickly.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 2





                Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

                – Michael - sqlbot
                Mar 4 '17 at 14:25














              0












              0








              0







              Ok, well, poking someone above the waist and below the ribcage is called "tasering" like EVERYWHERE. People who poke you there it makes you feel tickly.






              share|improve this answer













              Ok, well, poking someone above the waist and below the ribcage is called "tasering" like EVERYWHERE. People who poke you there it makes you feel tickly.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Mar 4 '17 at 7:50









              MaryMary

              1




              1








              • 2





                Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

                – Michael - sqlbot
                Mar 4 '17 at 14:25














              • 2





                Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

                – Michael - sqlbot
                Mar 4 '17 at 14:25








              2




              2





              Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

              – Michael - sqlbot
              Mar 4 '17 at 14:25





              Thanks, @Mary, but we probably need a citation to justify the assertion that this usage is common "like EVERYWHERE."

              – Michael - sqlbot
              Mar 4 '17 at 14:25











              0














              My experience is that Goose is specific to the round back area. Personally I use the word exactly as defined "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction", esp in the AD biz when referring to a desired action by the client/consumer. Not sure why that particular definition is surprising to you...






              share|improve this answer




























                0














                My experience is that Goose is specific to the round back area. Personally I use the word exactly as defined "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction", esp in the AD biz when referring to a desired action by the client/consumer. Not sure why that particular definition is surprising to you...






                share|improve this answer


























                  0












                  0








                  0







                  My experience is that Goose is specific to the round back area. Personally I use the word exactly as defined "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction", esp in the AD biz when referring to a desired action by the client/consumer. Not sure why that particular definition is surprising to you...






                  share|improve this answer













                  My experience is that Goose is specific to the round back area. Personally I use the word exactly as defined "to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction", esp in the AD biz when referring to a desired action by the client/consumer. Not sure why that particular definition is surprising to you...







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Jan 19 '18 at 19:06









                  Big D RockBig D Rock

                  1




                  1






























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