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
-
Alan Rickman, with his deep, mellow, softly puffing voice, is immensely sympathetic as that most patient of suitors, Colonel Brandon.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
19 July 2025
-
The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Thumbsticks on both Joy-Con 2s feel smoother, although there's still no use of Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) to eliminate drift risk.—
Matt Kamen,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
-
Things were a lot smoother for Royals starter Kris Bubic.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Still, Michael Dao, director of San Jose State’s Human Rights Institute, said that based on the collected data, poverty and inequality have worsened.—
Andrew Zeng,
Mercury News,
16 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.—
Josh Wood,
The Courier-Journal,
23 July 2025
-
As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
On vacation, Nicola Peltz styled hers in a breezy, nonchalant way, with a black tank and yellow paisley-print skirt.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
23 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Its eventual core range will all be built on the same quiet, steady progress that’s defined the last couple years.—
Felipe Schrieberg,
Forbes.com,
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
-
This cropped style captures Reese Witherspoon’s summer jeans look — casual, cool, and easygoing.—
Jeaneen Russell,
People.com,
20 July 2025
-
Effortlessly festive, striking the perfect balance between fun and easygoing.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosey-goosey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosey-goosey. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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