What does gawp mean?
Gawp is a chiefly British informal verb meaning to stare openly, often with an expression of puzzlement, curiosity, or foolishness. It is typically used about behaviour that seems idle, intrusive, or unintelligent: someone might gawp at a display, at a stranger, or at an unfamiliar situation. The word carries a mildly disparaging or mocking tone, so it is not normally the neutral word to use for a brief glance or a deliberate look. Although gawp overlaps with gape and gawk, it tends to emphasize the conspicuous, often open-mouthed manner of the stare. It is encountered in everyday British English in speech and informal writing, while outside Britain it may sound regional but remains readily understood. Its value as a vocabulary word lies in the vivid way it captures an awkward, prolonged, and often unintelligent stare.
verbTo stare openly or stupidly, typically with an open mouth.
- To stare openly or stupidly, typically with an open mouth.
"A group of tourists stood outside the shop, gawping at the window display."
"The children gawped at the magician as the eggs began to disappear."
"I could tell he was gawping at my outfit, so I asked what was wrong with it."
Gawp is British shorthand for the open-mouthed stare that says, “I have absolutely no idea what I am looking at.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gawp come from?
Gawp is an English word that developed in the late nineteenth century as a variant of gape. The precise mechanism of its development is uncertain, but its relationship to gape is well established. Both belong to a Germanic family of words associated with an opening or yawning.
Related word forms
How gawp is actually used
Informal and often mildly disparaging or mocking. It is used especially in British speech and informal writing, while remaining understandable in other English varieties.
Easily confused with gawp
Gawp means to stare in a conspicuously open-mouthed or foolish manner, whereas gape can mean to open the mouth widely, especially in yawning or amazement.