play gooseberry
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.53 in modern English
25
Scrabble Score
14
Letters
4
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To be an unwanted third party accompanying two lovers, to serve as a chaperon.
British usage; Dated; Slang
Example Sentences
- ""Well, new experiences are broadening. Come along, and you'll be able to sympathize with all poor souls who have to play gooseberry often."
- "What do you do at night in cars? — I have never been in cars. Never in a car at night? — Only with my sister's young man. Do you play gooseberry? — No. My sister's young man often takes me and the children for a little drive."