gawker
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who stares openly, often in a rude, stupid, or unthinking manner, especially at something surprising, sensational, or unusual.
Usage
The word "gawker" describes a spectator or onlooker whose attention is fixed on something, typically with a lack of sophistication, intelligence, or sensitivity. It implies a passive, often intrusive, and mindless form of looking.
Examples
- The accident on the highway caused a traffic jam as every gawker slowed down to stare.
- She felt like a gawker at the art exhibit, not really understanding the pieces but looking because everyone else was.
- The celebrity tried to avoid the gawkers who followed her every move with their phones.
Advanced Usage
- "Rubbernecking gawker": This phrase is often used specifically for drivers who slow down to stare at an accident or incident on the road, causing further traffic disruption.
- The term can carry a strong negative connotation, criticizing not just the act of looking, but the thoughtless and often disrespectful nature of the stare.
Variants and Related Words
- Gawk (verb): To stare openly and stupidly.
- Tourists would gawk at the towering skyscraper.
- Gawking (noun/gerund): The act of staring in such a manner.
- The constant gawking made the family in the parade feel uncomfortable.
Synonyms
- Onlooker: A person who watches something, typically without being involved (more neutral).
- Rubbernecker: A person who turns to stare at something, especially a road accident.
- Spectator: A person who watches at a show, game, or other event.
- Stargazer: A person who gazes at the stars; or, informally, a person who gazes at celebrities (less derogatory than "gawker").
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To gawk at: The verbal form commonly used to describe the action of a gawker.
- People gathered to gawk at the unusual street performance.
- Gawker's delay: Informal term for traffic delay caused by drivers staring at an accident or event.
Noun
- a spectator who stares stupidly without intelligent awareness