stickybeak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, primarily regional)Informal, colloquial, mildly derogatory
Quick answer
What does “stickybeak” mean?
An inquisitive person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An inquisitive person; a nosy individual who pries into others' affairs.
To act in a nosy or inquisitive manner; to pry. Also used as a verb meaning to look around inquisitively or interfere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is not standard in British or American English; it is specific to Australian and New Zealand English. In the US/UK, synonyms like 'nosy parker', 'busybody', or simply 'nosy' are used.
Connotations
In Aus/NZ: Familiar, informal, often humorous or lightly scolding. In other regions: Unfamiliar; if understood, it carries the exotic flavour of Australian slang.
Frequency
Very high frequency in Australian and New Zealand informal speech. Extremely low to zero frequency in British or American English.
Grammar
How to Use “stickybeak” in a Sentence
Noun: [Det] stickybeakVerb: stickybeak (around) [PrepP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stickybeak” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new neighbour was stickybeaking over the fence all afternoon.
- I saw someone stickybeaking through our bins last night.
American English
- (Not used; US equivalent) The new neighbor was snooping around the fence all afternoon.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard) He looked at the letter stickybeakily.
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Rare as pure adjective; usually compounded) She's got stickybeak tendencies, that one.
- I hate his stickybeak manner.
American English
- (Not used; US equivalent) She's so nosy, that one.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used humorously to describe a colleague who is overly interested in others' projects.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in Australian/NZ casual conversation, especially when complaining about or joking about a neighbour or relative's prying.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stickybeak”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it outside an Australian/NZ context and expecting comprehension.
- Spelling as 'sticky-beak' or 'sticky beak' (though sometimes hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in Australian and New Zealand English. e.g., 'He spent the afternoon stickybeaking around the garage sale.'
It is informal and mildly derogatory, but often used in a humorous or lightly scolding way rather than as a severe insult.
The etymology is not definitively established. It is an Australian colloquialism from the early 20th century, likely combining 'sticky' (implying involvement where one shouldn't be) and 'beak' (slang for nose or face, suggesting prying).
No. It is regionally specific slang. Use neutral terms like 'inquisitive', 'overly curious', or 'prone to prying' instead.
An inquisitive person.
Stickybeak is usually informal, colloquial, mildly derogatory in register.
Stickybeak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkiˌbiːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkiˌbik/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Have a stickybeak (to take a look around, often intrusively)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEAK that is STICKY from being poked into too many things where it doesn't belong.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURIOSITY IS A PHYSICAL PROTRUSION (a beak) that gets stuck in others' affairs.
Practice
Quiz
In which regional variety of English is 'stickybeak' a common, informal term?