Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): To look at or observe something or someone with great attention, interest, or surprise. It is an informal, often emphatic, command or suggestion to direct someone's focus toward something noteworthy, unusual, or impressive.

Usage

This phrasal verb is almost exclusively used in the imperative form ("Get a load of...") to draw attention. It is highly informal and conversational.

Examples

• Get a load of that new car! It's incredible.
• Get a load of this report; the numbers are shocking.
• He said, "Get a load of this!" and showed us the strange insect he found.

Advanced Usage

While typically imperative, it can be used in other constructions to describe the act of observing something remarkable. * We all got a load of the spectacular sunset. (We all observed/looked at the spectacular sunset.) * Wait until she gets a load of the surprise party. (Wait until she sees the surprise party.)

Variants and Related Words

• Load (noun): In this idiom, "load" informally means "a look" or "a view." It is not used in this sense outside of this specific phrasal verb.

Synonyms

• Check out: (Informal) Look at or observe.
  • Check out that building!
• Take a look at: A more standard phrase for directing attention.
  • Take a look at this diagram.
• Have a look at: Similar to "take a look at."
• Behold: (More literary or dramatic) See or observe.

Related Idioms

• Get an eyeful: An even more informal and sometimes suggestive idiom meaning to look at something, often something surprising or visually striking.
  • Get an eyeful of that fancy hotel!

Verb

1. look at with attention
   • Have a look at this!
   • Get a load of this pretty woman!