When ‘play gooseberry’ was coined, in 19th century England, it referred to someone acting as a chaperone to a couple. It was widely accepted in middle class circles that it would be improper for a woman of good character to be alone with a man of marriageable age.
What does it mean to be called a gooseberry?
idiom UK informal (also feel like a gooseberry) to be an unwanted third person who is present when two other people, especially two people having a romantic relationship, want to be alone. Too much and unnecessary.
Why is a chaperone called a gooseberry?
Others did, pointing out that the expression was a shortened form of gooseberry-picker, meaning a chaperone who, innocently or on purpose, allowed himself or herself to be distracted by something of interest — notionally picking fruit — so allowing the young couple to be alone together.
What is the origin of gooseberry?
The gooseberry is indigenous to many parts of Europe and western Asia, growing naturally in alpine thickets and rocky woods in the lower country, from France eastward, well into the Himalayas and peninsular India.
What type of word is gooseberry?
noun. goose·ber·ry | ˈgüs-ˌber-ē , ˈgüz-, -b(ə-)rē, chiefly British ˈgu̇z-
Does gooseberry mean third wheel?
More recently the expression has come to refer to anyone who is present as a third party to a couple who would rather be alone, whether deliberately or not – more like the US ‘third wheel’.
What’s another name for gooseberry?
Noun, singular or mass
The physalis fruit is also known as the cape gooseberry, goldenberry or ground cherry.
How do I know when gooseberries are ripe?
Some types of gooseberries turn red, white, yellow, green, or pink when it’s gooseberry harvest time, but the best way to tell if they are ripe is to squeeze them gently; they should have a little give. As to size, American gooseberries get to about ½ inch (1.5 cm.)
Is gooseberry a fruit or berry?
The fruits of currants and gooseberry are true berries with the seeds enclosed in a fleshy pericarp. The berries are born in clusters, with every single fruit adjoined to the main strig by a short stem. The fruits ripen in order along the strig, the fruit closest to the branch first and the terminal last.
Is kiwi fruit a gooseberry?
But when the fruit was first grown in New Zealand, their sweet/sharp flavour and green colour quickly earned them the nickname ‘Chinese Gooseberries. ‘ Gooseberries not being the most popular fruit, in 1959 it was decided to change the name to kiwifruit, after New Zealand’s national bird.
What are gooseberries called in the UK?
The long history of gooseberries in the UK has led to a great number of local names: ‘Carberry’, ‘Dabberry’, ‘Dayberry’, ‘Dewberry’, ‘Fayberry’, ‘Feaberry’, ‘Fabes’, ‘Fapes’, ‘Feabs’, ‘Feaps’, ‘Goggle’, ‘Golfob’, ‘Goosegog’, ‘Goosegob’, ‘Groser’, ‘Groset’, ‘Grizzle’ ‘Honey-blob’, ‘Thapes’ and ‘Wineberry’, to name few!
How do you use gooseberry in a sentence?
How to use Gooseberry in a sentence. Net up, in dry weather, gooseberry and currant bushes, to preserve the fruit till late in the autumn. Species of grape, gooseberry and currant are native, and others are cultivated with advantage. I have one gooseberry bush; 3 mongrels, thought by some to grow currants.
Can dogs eat gooseberry?
Gooseberries may be rich in antioxidants and vitamins, but they also contain glyoxylic acid. This is toxic to dogs in that it produces kidney stones. Furthermore, gooseberries reportedly often cause allergic reactions in dogs and other forms of animal life.
Are gooseberries poisonous to humans?
The berries of Ribes uva-crispa, the gooseberry, are fine. If eaten to excess they are likely to give anyone ‘the runs’ and, of course, care should be taken when eating anything which is new to you if you are prone to allergic reactions, are pregnant, etc.
What does third wheel mean?
third wheel (plural third wheels) (idiomatic) A person or thing that serves no useful purpose. (idiomatic) An unwanted third party accompanying two people on a date.
What color is gooseberry?
Gooseberry is a dark, shaded, raspberry chocolate purple with a dusty rose undertone.
Are all gooseberries edible?
EDITOR’S NOTE: Although nearly all species of gooseberries and currants can be consumed (a few are only tolerable-tasting, but most are downright delicious, especially when cooked), at least one member of the family is reportedly not edible: Ribes viscosissimum — which is sometimes known as sticky currant because of
Are gooseberries healthy?
Summary Gooseberries are rich in antioxidants, such as phytonutrients, and vitamins E and C, which may help protect your brain and fight aging, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
What does crunch time mean?
an extremely important moment
noun. noun. [uncountable] (informal) an extremely important moment or period of time when you must make a decision or take action; a crucial time It’s crunch time for students who want to graduate early.
What is a brief stint?
1a : a period of time spent at a particular activity served a brief stint as a waiter. b : a definite quantity of work assigned. 2 : restraint, limitation.
Can you eat raw gooseberries?
Early in the season they are bright green, with a veined effect on the skin, and quite hard and tart – they are best for cooking with, in particular to make the classic English pudding, gooseberry fool. Later on, softer, sweeter varieties become available, often yellow or red coloured – they are good eaten raw.