goosebumps

USAGE SUMMARY

'goosebumps' is a correct and usable term in written English.
It can be used to describe the physical reaction of having bumps on one's skin as a result of being scared or chilled. An example sentence would be: "I felt goosebumps form on my arms when I heard the unexpected noise in the dark hallway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alamuddin wears tights as the temperature dictates and won't suffer goosebumps in the name of high fashion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mauboy performed her song Sea of Flags at the famous competition in Copenhagen and said seeing all the international flags in the audience gave her goosebumps.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Translation: goosebumps.

The Guardian - Sport

"I had goosebumps all over my body for 80 minutes," James Small, a Springbok winger, told a magazine when he heard supporters and players singing the previous national anthem, "Die Stem" (The Calling), in 1992 after the international sports boycott had been ended.

The Economist

Because Fox is broadcast, its children's programmes reach far more homes than Nickelodeon can on cable, and its "Goosebumps" (and nine other Fox shows) top the ratings by Nielsen Media Research for child-oriented viewing outside prime time.But Nick's rapid growth in the past two years has been peeling off Fox's young viewers.

The Economist

Inside the neon-lit avtosalon, half-naked dancers covered in silver paint and goosebumps greeted the city's dressed-up business elite.

The Economist

It is not hard to assemble enough recent evidence to give Western Islamophobes goosebumps.

The Economist

Stine launched several spin-off series, including Fear Street Super Chillers (1991); Give Yourself Goosebumps (1995), a choose-your-own-scary-adventure line; and The Nightmare Room (2000), which was adapted for television in 2001.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stine was played by actor Jack Black in the film Goosebumps (2015), in which the author's terrifying characters come to life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every episode you tune into you know you're going to get a mixture of goosebumps, tears, laughter, confusion, exasperation, family-meltdowns, judge bust-ups, judge indecision and the ultimate in cringe TV, all set to soundtrack of Mariah Carey hits.

Independent

Miller not only introduced his daughter to blues music – they went to see street-singer Blind Pearly Brown, when she was six ("when I think about it, it gives me goosebumps") – but also took Lucinda, aged five, to see celebrated Southern author Flannery O'Connor at her home.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional responses, use "goosebumps" to create a sense of immediacy and intensity for the reader, allowing them to feel the character's experience more deeply.

Common error

Avoid using "goosebumps" for mild or unremarkable situations. Overusing it can diminish its impact when describing truly intense or significant moments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "goosebumps" is as a noun, typically in its plural form, referring to the physical manifestation of bumps on the skin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can describe the body's response to stimuli such as cold or fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goosebumps" functions primarily as a noun to describe the skin's reaction to stimuli like cold or intense emotions. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable term, widely understood across various contexts. Its usage is very common, particularly in News & Media sources. While alternatives like "chills" or ""shivers down my spine"" exist, "goosebumps" offers a vivid and relatable way to express physical and emotional responses, contributing to its widespread use. Remember to avoid overuse in mundane contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chills

A more general term for a sensation of coldness, often accompanied by shivering.

shivers down my spine

Highlights the location of the sensation and its intensity.

tingling sensation

Describes a prickling feeling on the skin, which can be related to excitement or fear.

prickling sensation

Focuses on the sharp, needle-like feeling on the skin.

skin crawling

Emphasizes the unpleasant or unsettling nature of the sensation.

the creeps

An informal way to describe the feeling of unease or disgust that causes goosebumps.

raised skin

A more literal description of the physical manifestation.

cold sweat

Describes a feeling of being cold and frightened.

horripilation

A formal, scientific term for the physiological reaction.

piloerection

A medical term referring to the erection or bristling of hairs due to the contraction of small muscles at the base of each hair follicle.

FAQs

How can I describe the feeling of getting "goosebumps" in a sentence?

You can describe the sensation by saying, "I felt "shivers down my spine"" or "I had a "tingling sensation" on my skin depending on the context".

What's a more formal synonym for "goosebumps"?

A more formal or scientific synonym is "horripilation", which refers to the physiological response causing the skin to become bumpy.

When is it appropriate to use the term "goosebumps" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "goosebumps" when describing a physical reaction to strong emotions, such as fear, excitement, or awe, or in response to cold temperatures. It adds a vivid, tactile element to your writing.

Is it correct to say "I have goosebumps" or "I am getting goosebumps"?

Both are correct. "I have goosebumps" describes a current state, while "I am getting goosebumps" describes the onset of the sensation.