Gawker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
gawker
[หgษห.kษr ]
Definition
observer, gossip
A gawker is a person who stares at something in a rude or curious way, often attracted by something unusual or shocking. Gawkers are often found at events or scenes of accidents, where they stop to look, sometimes causing disruption.
Synonyms
onlooker, rubberneck, spectator, staring.
Examples of usage
- The gawkers lined the street to catch a glimpse of the celebrity.
- During the parade, gawkers crowded the sidewalks.
- He felt uncomfortable being a gawker at the accident scene.
Translations
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Origin of 'gawker'
The word 'gawker' has its roots in the Middle English word 'gawke', meaning to gaze or stare. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word 'gรก' meaning to stare or gaze. The term became more commonly used in the 19th century as a slang term to describe people who tended to peep or stare in an intrusive manner. Over the years, the meaning of 'gawker' evolved to indicate not just those who stare, but usually with a connotation of nosiness or curiosity about othersโ affairs. This evolving usage reflects societal changes regarding privacy, curiosity, and the social dynamics surrounding events that attract public attention.