gaul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly dated
Quick answer
What does “gaul” mean?
To make someone feel bold and full of confidence, often encouraging them to do something risky.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make someone feel bold and full of confidence, often encouraging them to do something risky.
To provoke or embolden someone, especially into acting recklessly or with overconfidence; to egg someone on.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'gaul' is an archaic or regional variant of 'gall'. In US English, 'gall' is the standard form. The usage meaning 'to make someone bold' is rare in both.
Connotations
Primarily negative or cautionary. Suggests encouraging foolish or arrogant behavior.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage. More common historically or in literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gaul” in a Sentence
[Subject] gauls [Object] into [Verb-ing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaul” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His dare gaulled me into jumping the fence.
- She was gaulled on by her friends.
American English
- The cheers gaulled the runner to push harder.
- His taunts gaulled them into a fight.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'His success gaulled him into taking unwise risks.'
Academic
Very rare; historical or literary analysis only.
Everyday
Almost never used in contemporary conversation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaul”
- Confusing 'gaul' (verb) with 'Gaul' (noun, ancient France).
- Misspelling as 'gall' (which is correct for the standard form).
- Using in a modern context where 'egg on' or 'goad' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or dialectal in modern English.
'Gaul' is an old or variant spelling of the verb 'gall' meaning 'to make someone bold'. The standard modern spelling is 'gall'.
As a proper noun (capitalized), 'Gaul' refers to ancient France. The verb form discussed here is not used as a common noun.
'Goad', 'egg on', or 'embolden' are more common and understood synonyms.
To make someone feel bold and full of confidence, often encouraging them to do something risky.
Gaul is usually informal, slightly dated in register.
Gaul: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't let him gaul you into it.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'gall' as 'nerve' or 'impudence'. To 'gaul' someone is to give them the gall to do something.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOLDNESS IS A LIQUID (poured into someone).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'gaul' mean in this sentence: 'The coach's speech gaulled the players to fight until the end.'?