Definition of mosey

The word "mosey" originated in the American South during the 19th century. Its exact origins are uncertain, but some etymologists trace its origins to the Southern dialect of English spoken at that time, where "mosey" was used to describe the slow, casual, and aimless movement of people or things. The word "mosey" is believed to have arisen from the Southern phrase "to mosey along," which itself is thought to originate from the Scottish Gaelic word "muisgir," meaning "small journey." The Southern form of the word, "mosey," grew in popularity as it was often used to describe the leisurely pace of life in the South during that time. Other theories suggest that "mosey" is a combination of two Southern English words, "mose" and "easy," which roughly translates to "to move slowly and with ease." Still, others argue that "mosey" is simply a Southern slang adaptation of the Old English word "mosian," meaning "to delay" or "to linger." Regardless of its exact origins, "mosey" became a popular form of Southern English slang in the 19th century, eventually spreading to other parts of the United States where it continues to be used to describe slow, aimless movement or a leisurely pace of life.