Learn English – Is ‘shovey’ or ‘shovy’ a legitimate word meaning ‘pushy’

is-it-a-wordmeaningparts-of-speech

I heard an American say the word 'shovey' or 'shovy' along with another word 'pushy'. In context, the latter was used to mean "unpleasantly self-assertive" or something. So, I could easily understand that the former was used in a similar sense.

But no dictionary I've consulted lists 'shovey' or 'shovy' as a word, not even in some slang dictionaries.

So I was wondering if 'shovey' or 'shovy' is a legitimate English word, and if so which one is the correct spelling.

Best Answer

I've never heard it used, and the OED is unaware of its existence, however it does appear in print. From the 2001 book Women College Basketball Coaches by Rosemarie Skaine.

When we were in college, we could be assertive, pushy and shovey on the basketball court, but we had to go into the locker room to change into frilly blouses and skirts.