guck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “guck” mean?
A thick, slimy, unpleasant substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, slimy, unpleasant substance.
Used to refer to any messy, gooey, or grimy matter, often implying disgust.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood but is more frequently used in American English. In British English, 'gunge', 'gunk', or 'gunky stuff' might be more common informal equivalents.
Connotations
In both dialects, it carries a childish or playful tone of disgust.
Frequency
Much more common in US informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “guck” in a Sentence
There is [guck] in/on the XThe X is covered in [guck]Wipe/clean/get rid of the [guck]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guck” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old pipes were completely gucked up with limescale.
- Don't guck about with that muddy stick indoors!
American English
- The drain got all gucked up with hair.
- His hands were gucked with grease after fixing the bike.
adverb
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The gucky residue wouldn't wash off the plate.
- It left a gucky film on the surface.
American English
- She wiped the gucky mess off the counter.
- The pond water was thick and gucky.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used informally, often by children or when describing messes humorously (e.g., 'What is this guck on the floor?').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guck”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Spelling it as 'guk' or 'gucke'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is an informal, chiefly American English word for a slimy, messy substance.
They are near-synonyms. 'Guck' often emphasizes sliminess and ooziness, while 'gunk' can refer to thicker, grimy deposits (like in machinery). They are frequently used interchangeably.
Yes, informally, meaning 'to make dirty or clog with a slimy substance' (e.g., 'The drain is gucked up').
No, it's informal and playful, not offensive. It's akin to words like 'goo' or 'gunk'.
A thick, slimy, unpleasant substance.
Guck is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Guck: in British English it is pronounced /ɡʌk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡʌk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms found for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"GUCKing disgusting!" The "UCK" sound in 'guck' and 'yuck' are both sounds of disgust.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNPLEASANT SUBSTANCE IS A THICK, SLIMY MASS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'guck' be LEAST appropriate?