However, “goose” specifically refers to a female of the species, while “gander” refers to a male. When it comes to the meaning of the terms, “goose” is often used metaphorically to refer to a woman or a woman’s behavior. Meanwhile, “gander” is used to refer to a man or a man’s behavior.

While male geese are called ganders. Female geese are shy and generally quieter than males. The fellas are typically more aggressive and come forward to defend their wives when approached, or if they’re feeling threatened. The call of a goose is lower in tone than the ganders, which in contrast is high pitched and quite shrill.