gaw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Dialectal, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “gaw” mean?
(Verb) To stare openly and foolishly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(Verb) To stare openly and foolishly; to gape.
An informal or dialectal verb meaning to stare with surprise, curiosity, or stupidity. Can also be used as an interjection expressing disbelief.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'gaw' is recognised as a Northern/Scottish dialectal or archaic form, sometimes spelled 'gawp'. In American English, it is extremely rare and would be considered non-standard or a misspelling of 'gawk'.
Connotations
UK: Rustic, unsophisticated, possibly humorous. US: Unrecognised or erroneous.
Frequency
Virtually obsolete in standard English; occasional literary use for dialect colour.
Grammar
How to Use “gaw” in a Sentence
[Subject] gaw at [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaw” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tourists would gaw at the ancient castle.
- Stop gawing at them, it's rude!
American English
- He just stood there and gawed (gawked) at the accident scene.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as adverb)
American English
- (Not used as adverb)
adjective
British English
- He had a gawing expression on his face. (non-standard, rare)
American English
- (Not used as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used except in historical/dialectology texts.
Everyday
Very rare; potential use in specific UK dialects or jocular speech.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaw”
- Confusing 'gaw' with 'gawk' or 'gawp'.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'gauw' or 'gowe'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an informal, dialectal, and largely archaic variant of 'gawk' or 'gawp', meaning to stare openly and foolishly.
No. It is inappropriate for formal or academic contexts unless you are directly quoting dialectal speech.
'Gawk' is the standard AmE/international term. 'Gawp' is the standard BrE term. 'Gaw' is a regional/dialectal form of 'gawp', now rare.
No, they are unrelated. The interjection 'gaw' or 'gawd' is a minced oath, while the verb 'gaw' is related to staring.
(Verb) To stare openly and foolishly.
Gaw is usually informal, dialectal, archaic in register.
Gaw: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɔː/ (if used, typically assimilated to 'gawk' /ɡɔːk/). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't just stand there gawing!”
- “"Gaw, blimey!" (interjection, archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GAW sounds like 'saw' – imagine someone SAW something shocking and just stood there GAWing at it.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEEING IS BEING PASSIVE/STUPID (to gaw is to be a passive, unthinking receptacle of vision).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym to 'gaw' in its most common usage?