In romantic terms, what is a gooseberry, and why are they named after a sour, hairy, sickly-green fruit?

A gooseberry is generally an unwanted third party on a date or reluctantly accompanying a loved-up couple.

It traces its origins back to the early 19th century and refers to a tactful chaperone who “picks gooseberries” while the couple canoodles nearby.

Partridge’s Dictionary of Slang thinks it derives from the dessert dish, gooseberry fool. Others believe it relates to the way the fruit “blushes” during the ripening process, presumably matching the embarrassed cheeks of an onlooker.

Either way, there are lots of explanations, as is usual in these matters.