Goosebumps are the small raised bumps that appear on your skin when you are cold, scared, or experiencing strong emotions. This reaction is caused by tiny muscles at the base of your hair follicles contracting, which occurs due to the release of adrenaline. Goosebumps can happen in response to various stimuli, such as a frightening story, a touching song, or a sudden drop in temperature.
The term "goosebumps" is derived from the appearance of the bumps on the skin that resemble the skin of a plucked goose. The word reflects both the physical reaction and the analogy to the texture of poultry skin. The use of "bump" indicates the raised areas on the skin.