nosy-parker
Noun: A person who shows an excessive or intrusive interest in other people's private affairs or business; a meddlesome or prying individual.
The term "nosy-parker" is a mildly informal, often humorous or disapproving label for someone who is overly curious about matters that do not concern them. It is typically used in British English but is understood in other varieties. It functions as a compound noun and is always hyphenated.
- Our neighbor is a real nosy-parker, always watching from her window to see who visits us.
- Don't be such a nosy-parker! What I do in my free time is my own business.
- The journalist was accused of being a nosy-parker for digging into the celebrity's personal life.
The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun to describe a characteristic or action. * She gave me a nosy-parker look when I received the private package. * His nosy-parker tendencies often get him into trouble with his colleagues.
- Nosy (or Nosey) (adj.): Having or showing a prying curiosity. This is the adjective form from which the compound noun is derived.
- Stop asking so many nosy questions.
- Busybody (n.): A very close synonym, meaning an officious or meddlesome person.
- Snoop (n. & v.): Can refer to a person who snoops (pries) or the act of snooping itself.
Busybody, interferer, meddler, pry, Paul Pry (archaic), gossip-monger.
Mind-your-own-business type, discreet person, private individual.
- To stick/poke one's nose into something: This phrasal verb is the direct action that a "nosy-parker" performs.
- I wish she wouldn't stick her nose into my financial affairs.
- Eavesdropper: Specifically refers to someone who secretly listens to others' conversations, which is a common behavior of a nosy-parker.
- a person who meddles in the affairs of others