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Meaning & use

a posey

noun·Advancedinformaloffensive

Last updated

UK/ə ˈpəʊzi/
US/ə ˈpoʊzi/
Usage warning: this word is offensive. It can hurt or insult people. Learn to recognise it, but avoid using it about anyone.

Meanings

  1. nouncountableinformal

    A small bunch of flowers, often given as a gift or worn on clothing.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a posey' or 'poseys'.

    Patterns

    • a posey of flowers
    • carry a posey
    • give someone a posey

    She carried a posey of daisies at the wedding.

    He gave his mother a posey for her birthday.

  2. nouncountableoffensiveslangdisapproving

    An offensive slang word for a gay man, used as an insult.

    Grammar: Countable, but this use is highly offensive and should not be used.

    Patterns

    • call someone a posey

    The word 'posey' is sometimes used as an insult, but it is offensive and hurtful.

Word forms

pluralposeys

Common combinations

a posey of roses
The bride held a posey of roses.
a small posey
He picked a small posey from the garden.
wear a posey
In some traditions, guests wear a posey on their jacket.

Synonyms and how they differ

bouquet
Bouquet is a more formal word for a larger bunch of flowers; a posey is smaller and often worn or given as a token.
nosegay
Nosegay is an old-fashioned word for a small bunch of fragrant flowers, similar to a posey.

Word family

posy noun
The more common spelling of the same word meaning a small bunch of flowers.

Commonly confused: a posey or posy?

a posey vs posy

Posy is the standard spelling; posey is a less common variant. They mean the same thing.

Practice

What is a 'posey' most commonly?

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