nosey-parker
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who shows an excessive or intrusive interest in other people's private affairs or business; a busybody.
Usage
This term is used to describe someone who is overly curious about matters that do not concern them. It carries a negative connotation of annoyance and disapproval. It is often spelled as "nosy parker" or "nosey parker".
Examples
- She's such a nosey-parker, always asking about our finances.
- Tell that nosey-parker from next door that it's none of her business.
- I don't mean to be a nosey-parker, but what was in that letter?
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used humorously or lightly to soften a question about a private matter, as shown in the third example. However, it is primarily a critical label.
- It functions as a compound noun and is typically hyphenated, especially in the "nosey-parker" spelling variant.
Variants and Related Words
- Nosy Parker (noun): The more common modern spelling.
- Busybody (noun): A direct synonym for a meddlesome person.
- Nosy or Nosey (adjective): Describing the characteristic of being overly curious.
- Stop being so nosy!
Synonyms
- Busybody
- Meddler
- Snoop
- Paul Pry (literary/dated)
Idioms and Phrases
- To stick/poke one's nose into something: This phrasal verb describes the action of a nosey-parker.
- I wish he'd stop poking his nose into my personal life.
Noun
- a person who meddles in the affairs of others