Nosy or nosey – which one is correct?
Everyone has come across a person who pokes their nose into other people’s affairs at least once in a lifetime. Hopefully you will not have to write a note to your neighbours asking them to mind their own business and stop being so… nosy or nosey? Which form is correct? Read this article to make sure you get this right!
Nosy or nosey – what is the difference?
Is there any difference between nosy and nosey? There is no difference in the pronunciation of these two, but what about the meaning? As you will see in the further section of this article, there is no difference in the meaning of nosy and nosey either, and they are both correct!
Nosy or nosey – which form is correct?
The adjective in question is a combination of the noun nose with the adjective suffix -y (meaning “full of” or “having the quality of”). Hence, your first and obvious choice could be the spelling nosey. However, you might be surprised that, although both are correct, it is actually nosy that is more common spelling, in both British or American English.
Nosy or nosey – the correct form
So why it is nosy that is the most common form? The answer is that when a word ends on silent “e”, it is generally dropped before adding a suffix that starts with a vowel.
Nosey is still correct, though less common. The vast majority of online dictionaries list nosy ahead of alternative spelling nosey, and nosey is defined as a variant of nosy. That is why most individuals will find nosy the most acceptable option.
Some other forms related to nosy/nosey are:
- nosier (comparative adjective)
- nosiest (superlative adjective)
- nosily (adverb)
- nosiness (noun)
Nosy or nosey – the meaning
Nosy carries a negative connotation and means offensively curious or inquisitive. When someone is nosy, they are too interested in things that do not concern them, especially other people’s affairs.
- Don’t be so nosy – mind your own business!
- She is complaining about her nosy in-laws.
- My neighbours are just too nosy.
Nosy or nosey? Now it is all clear! Examples of these terms in sentences
She was the nosiest woman in the world and spent most of her life spying on the boring, law-abiding neighbours.
J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban
Big nosy Shirley points her finger at us and says, “The meeting is at seven so be on time. No excuses!”
Kathryn Stockett, The Help
She didn’t mean to be nosy, but she couldn’t help being curious.
Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass
