goose up

C1 informal separable transitive

In simple words

To make something more exciting, powerful, or lively.

Literal meaning: 'Goose' as a verb means to poke or prod someone — 'goose up' extends this to mean energising or stimulating something.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To increase, stimulate, or boost the energy, performance, or appeal of something.

"They goosed up the marketing campaign with a celebrity endorsement."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Primarily American English slang. Relatively uncommon. Used to describe boosting performance, energy, or appeal. Can also be used literally to refer to pinching someone on the buttocks (derived from the verb 'to goose'), though this sense is now rare and considered crude.

Commonly used with

engine performance excitement numbers crowd metabolism

Forms

Base

goose up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

gooses up

he/she/it

Past simple

goosed up

yesterday

Past participle

goosed up

have + pp

-ing form

goosing up

continuous

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Synonyms

jazz up rev up energise boost liven up amp up

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