play gooseberry

present singular third person plays gooseberry · participle present playing gooseberry · participle past played gooseberry · past played gooseberry

1. UKdatedslangTo be an unwanted third party accompanying two lovers, to serve as a chaperon.

   "Well, new experiences are broadening. Come along, and you'll be able to sympathize with all poor souls who have to play gooseberry often.

   1915, Lucy Maud Montgomery, “In the Park”, in Anne of the Island

   1 more example

   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.

   1930 April 11, The Brunswick and Coburg Gazette, Moonee Ponds, Vic, page 1, column 4

   Synonyms: do gooseberry