handsy

comparative handsier · superlative handsiest

1. informalProne to touching other people with one's hands, especially in an inappropriate or sexual manner.

   Her breakout was the 2017 production “Nate” (available as a Netflix special) in which she played a toxic, handsy bro who drove a motorcycle onstage, guzzling beers, groping audience members and creating chaos.

   2025 October 7, Jason Zinoman, “What Clowns! (That’s a Compliment)”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 07 Oct 2025

   3 more examples

   J.D. (internal monologue): Okay J.D., you're a little drunk. And you know what happens when you get drunk. You get handsy. Now control yourself. Molly: It's tough making new friends in Milwaukee. J.D. (internal monologue): (feeling up own chest) I said control yourself!

   2005 March 1, “My Best Laid Plans”, in Scrubs, season 4, episode 19, spoken by J.D. and Molly Clock (Zach Braff and Heather Graham)

   "Listen up." Nate nodded at Angela's root beer. "That's what you should drink on your date with Patrick the Prick. So you'll be alert if he gets all handsy with you." "He won't get handsy. We're just having coffee."

   2008, Lisa Plumley, Home for the Holidays, Zebra Books, →ISBN, page 96

   A more pressing struggle is the one Crystal Castles have to contend with each night: feral fanboys who use Glass' aggressiveness as an excuse to get handsy. "They usually get a mic stand to the head," says Glass, with a shrug […].

   2008 September, Phoebe Reilly, “Thick As Thieves”, in Spin

   Synonyms: groping, tactile, touchy-feely

2. golfMoving the hands and wrists excessively when making a stroke or swing.

   At a wiry 5 feet 9 inches and 140 pounds, with a handsy, almost ungainly swing, Pavin lacked the power and solid technique that have been the foundation of success for most of the game's elite players.

   1991 May 26, Jaime Diaz, “Pavin Is Making a Strong Bid to Join Game's Elite”, in The New York Times