Gander Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆข
gander
[หษกรฆndษr ]
Definitions
male goose
A gander is an adult male goose. The term is predominantly used to refer to male birds of the Anserinae subfamily, which includes domestic and wild geese. Ganders are known for their protective behaviors over their mates and goslings. They are often distinguished from the female geese, known as geese, by their appearance and vocalizations.
Synonyms
goose, male goose.
Examples of usage
- The gander honked loudly to protect his nest.
- In spring, the gander can often be seen leading his mates.
- A gander will fiercely defend its territory against intruders.
to look or glance
To gander means to take a look or glance at something. This informal term is derived from the noun and is often used in a casual context. It is commonly used in phrases like 'have a gander' to prompt someone to take a look or observe something of interest. It implies a short, casual glance rather than a thorough examination.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Have a gander at this new book!
- I will gander at the menu before deciding.
- She took a quick gander at the headlines.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In 2021, the phrase 'take a gander' featured prominently in various TV shows, highlighting its continued relevance in casual language.
- Songs and movies often reference taking a gander to add a sense of humor or lightness, making it a fun catchphrase.
Linguistics
- The use of the word reflects regional dialects, particularly in British English, where it is more commonly used compared to American English.
- Slang words like 'gander' illustrate how informal language can enrich everyday communication, making it more vivid.
Historical Usage
- In the 19th century, 'gander' began to be associated with looking at something closely, particularly in hunting and observation contexts.
- The term was used in early hunting guides, emphasizing its connection to observing game in the field.
Psychology
- Taking a 'gander', or looking around, can be linked to curiosity, which is a key driver of learning and exploration.
- The act of glancing or looking can trigger the brain's reward pathways, making us feel good when we discover something new.
Origin of 'gander'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'gander' originally refers to a male goose, but in slang, it evolved to mean 'to look' or 'to glance'.
- Its usage as a verb for looking can be traced back to the 19th century, showing how language changes over time.
The word 'gander' originated from the Old English 'gandra', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*gandaraz'. It is related to similar terms in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'gandra' and Middle Dutch 'gander'. Historically, the term has been used to refer specifically to male geese, highlighting a distinction from females. Over time, the usage of 'gander' evolved beyond ornithology and came to be used informally to mean 'to look' or 'to glance'. This change may have stemmed from the behavior of ganders, which are often seen 'gazing' protectively over their nests and young. The term is now also used in various idiomatic expressions in modern English.