gaggle

/'gægl/

Definition

Noun:
- A flock of geese: A group of geese, especially when on the ground or in water.
- A disorderly or noisy group of people: An informal and often critical term for a group of people, especially women, who are talking in a noisy, lively, or sometimes annoying way.
Verb:
- To make a noise like a goose: To cackle or make the characteristic loud, raucous sound of a goose.
- To talk noisily or chatter: To engage in loud, often trivial, conversation.

Usage and Examples

Noun:
- We saw a gaggle of geese by the lake. (This uses the primary meaning of a group of geese.)
- A gaggle of tourists blocked the entrance to the museum. (This uses the extended meaning of a noisy, clustered group of people.)
- The politician was followed by a gaggle of reporters. (This implies a disorderly, clamoring group.)
Verb:
- The geese gaggled loudly as the fox approached. (This describes the sound geese make.)
- The students gaggled in the hallway before class. (This describes people talking noisily.)

Advanced Usage and Notes

The noun "gaggle" is a collective noun. Specific collective nouns are often used for specific animals (e.g., a of lions, a of fish). "Gaggle" is the standard term for a group of geese on land or water. In flight, a group of geese is called a skein or a team.
When applied to people, "gaggle" often carries a slightly negative or dismissive connotation, suggesting a lack of organization or purpose. Its use for groups of women can be considered sexist and dated.

Variants and Related Words

Gaggler (noun, rare): One who gaggles or chatters.
Gaggly (adjective, informal): Resembling or characteristic of a gaggle; noisy and disorderly.

Synonyms

Idioms and Phrases

To gather in a gaggle: To come together in a noisy, disorderly group.
- The fans gaggled around the movie star, hoping for an autograph.
A gaggle of giggles: A playful, alliterative phrase describing a group of people laughing noisily.

Noun

Verb

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