geese are timid creatures

"boo" of course being used as an expression of surprise as opposed to disapproval. the meat of animals reared for food is of higher quality if the animals are raised under stress free conditions, geese are timid creatures and therefore one shouldn't say "boo" to a goose or your goose will be tough.

this later became a common idiom to describe a timid person as one who wouldn't say boo to a goose. in other words, he was more timid than a timid thing.

however, if a goose performs badly in a play or during a game of croquet or performing a wheelie, then by all means boo him roundly.

Posted By: Tombs, Jan 20, 18:39:19