Goose bumps/flesh

Origin of: Goose bumps/flesh

Goose bumps/flesh

To have goose bumps is a way of expressing that familiar tingling sensation on the skin that can indicate fear, pleasure, or excitement. It is simply a more modern version (c.1930s) of goose flesh which is early 19th century and the older goose skin which is from the 18th century. All these expressions derive from the way goose skin looks when it has been plucked.