as in mellow
chiefly US, informal
very loose or relaxed
The assistant manager had a loosey-goosey attitude about the store's return policy.
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Recent Examples of loosey-goosey
Dogma is having a resurgence; Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is similarly satirical in that loosey-goosey way Smith does so well.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2025
While there was a higher body count in Taormina and Thailand, in terms of work culture Maui seems to be the most loosey-goosey of the resort locations with the staff going down K-holes and sleeping with guests in beachside huts.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
This was one of those After Midnight episodes that doubles as a reunion for longtime comedy buds, so everyone was feeling really loosey-goosey.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
The boundary of entertainment is a lot more loosey-goosey.
—Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Some jokes are just too-hot for TV — especially for CBS — even if they’re delivered in the loosey-goosey Golden Globes ballroom (and even when those Golden Globes are hosted by Nikki Glaser).
—Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 5 Jan. 2025
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
This is a loosey-goosey day because there’s a Moon Alert.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2025
Likewise, writing a paper, finishing a manuscript or studying schoolwork also might be hard to stick with because things are loosey-goosey and erratic.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2025
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2025
While there was a higher body count in Taormina and Thailand, in terms of work culture Maui seems to be the most loosey-goosey of the resort locations with the staff going down K-holes and sleeping with guests in beachside huts.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
This was one of those After Midnight episodes that doubles as a reunion for longtime comedy buds, so everyone was feeling really loosey-goosey.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
The boundary of entertainment is a lot more loosey-goosey.
—Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Some jokes are just too-hot for TV — especially for CBS — even if they’re delivered in the loosey-goosey Golden Globes ballroom (and even when those Golden Globes are hosted by Nikki Glaser).
—Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 5 Jan. 2025
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
This is a loosey-goosey day because there’s a Moon Alert.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2025
Likewise, writing a paper, finishing a manuscript or studying schoolwork also might be hard to stick with because things are loosey-goosey and erratic.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosey-goosey
Adjective
-
Djo skates between falsetto and mellow, talky vocals with moments of funky, emphatic annunciation.—
airmail.news,
airmail.news,
5 July 2025
-
Claire Riley, who just graduated from Amundsen, was leading a band from the School of Rock in singing mellow renditions of Avril Lavigne and Melissa Etheridge hits.—
Sophie Levenson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Silky smooth tannins, crisp acidity, and a vibrancy that dances across the palate in a very long finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
And to make every departure and arrival a smooth, stumble-free, and social media–worthy occasion, this throne also swivels 45 degrees—like that of a 1960 Chrysler—to ease ingress and egress.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
The collected data underscored that what’s played in public places doesn’t necessarily mirror what’s on the popular playlists or radio and streaming platforms.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
-
Some aldermen, both at the committee meeting last month and at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, had concerns over how the collected data was being handled by the police department.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Did your presence create more clarity, more calm, more progress?—
Cicely Simpson,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Think smooth shores sloping gently into calm waves and views framed by palm trees.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
-
At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Its adjustable cords allow for subtle resistance changes, and the arched legs keep everything steady.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
Prince Ali envisions steady growth over the next decade.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Get creative and branch out Despite the blazing sun, there are plenty of things to do around the Valley this summer that'll keep you cool and entertained.—
Olivia Rose,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
-
Here are some more tips from USA TODAY for staying cool on a budget this summer: Close curtains and blinds.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton is where upscale meets easygoing.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
9 July 2025
-
After all, there’s something about the region’s unspoiled natural beauty, superlative hospitality, and easygoing pace that instantly prompts shoulders to relax and stress to melt away.—
Sarah Bruning,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosey-goosey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosey-goosey. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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