Gawk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ป
gawk
[ษกษหk ]
Definition
programming
To process text or data using the AWK programming language.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gawk |
Used to describe staring at something or someone in a way that seems foolish or rude, often out of surprise or curiosity. It has a negative connotation.
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| parse |
Used in a context where breaking down a sentence or text into its parts to understand its structure or meaning is required. Often used in computing or linguistic studies.
|
| analyze |
Used in a context where looking at something in detail to understand its structure or meaning is necessary. Often used in academic, scientific, or professional settings.
|
| scan |
Used to describe looking over something quickly to find specific information or to get a general impression. It can also refer to the act of using a device to make a digital copy of a document.
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Examples of usage
- I need to gawk through this log file to find the errors.
- The script is designed to gawk for specific patterns in the input data.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Gawking has been depicted humorously in various films, often when characters encounter something unbelievable.
- The phrase 'gawked at' often appears in books and movies to highlight characters' reactions to outrageous situations.
- There are countless memes and viral videos where individuals gawk at bizarre or unexpected events, reflecting a cultural fascination with surprises.
Social Behavior
- Gawking can be seen in social settings when people are curious about something unusual, like a celebrity or an accident.
- Itโs often considered impolite to gawk, as it may make others uncomfortable or feel objectified.
- Studies in psychology show that public gawking can be related to human nature's desire for social interaction and curiosity.
Literature
- The act of gawking has been used as a literary device to describe charactersโ reactions and build tension in narratives.
- Classic novels often portray gawking as a commentary on societal norms or personal flaws.
- Many poets use the concept to illustrate moments of awe or shock, emphasizing the emotional weight of a scene.
Origin of 'gawk'
Main points about word origin
- The word has Scottish origins dating back to the 14th century, derived from the word 'gaw' meaning to stare.
- It originally described a fool or someone who makes a spectacle of themselves by staring.
- The term was commonly used in Scottish literature, creating a cultural association with being surprised or foolish.
The term 'gawk' is a combination of 'grep' and 'awk', which are two popular Unix utilities for text processing. It originated in the Unix/Linux community as a shorthand for using the AWK programming language in a similar way to grep. Over time, 'gawk' has become a widely recognized term in the programming world for text processing operations.