nose gay

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, nose gay has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Stuff You Should Know (Nov 2025). The nosegay is used as a running example to demonstrate how bouquet orientation, ribbon placement, and where it’s worn can change meaning.

A nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice. Doilies are traditionally used to bind the stems in these arrangements. Alternatively, "posy holders", available in a variety of shapes and materials, enable the wearing of these arrangements "at the waist, in the hair, or secured with a brooch".