How Do You Spell GOWK?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈa͡ʊk] (IPA)

The word "Gowk" is spelled with three letters, yet its pronunciation is not as straightforward as one would expect. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Gowk" is /ɡaʊk/, which indicates that it is pronounced with the "g" sound followed by the diphthong "ow" and the "k" sound. This word means a foolish or gullible person in Scots language. Despite its uncommon spelling and pronunciation, the word "Gowk" remains a significant part of the Scottish vocabulary and culture.

GOWK Meaning and Definition

1. The term "gowk" refers to a noun commonly used in Scottish English and Northern English dialects to describe a foolish or gullible person. It can also be used to refer to a simpleton or a person who acts in a silly or ridiculous manner. The word derives its origin from the Old Norse term "gaukr," which means a cuckoo, a bird renowned for its loud and silly calls.

   Characteristics associated with a gowk often include being easily deceived or tricked, lacking in intelligence or common sense, and behaving in an irrational or eccentric way. The term is typically used in a playful or teasing manner, rather than as an insult, although it can sometimes carry a slight derogatory undertone depending on the context and tone of delivery.

   In literature and folklore, the gowk is often portrayed as a figure of fun or as the butt of jokes. Common idioms like "playing the gowk" or "making a gowk of oneself" refer to engaging in foolish or embarrassing behavior. Additionally, an April Fool's Day tradition in Scotland involves playing pranks on unsuspecting individuals and labeling them as a "gowk" for falling for the tricks.

   Overall, "gowk" refers to someone who lacks common sense, acting foolishly, or being easily fooled, and holds a prominent place in regional dialects and cultural traditions of Scotland and Northern England.

2. • One easily imposed on; a simpleton.

   • To make a fool of any one-see gawk.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GOWK

• vowk
• gkwk
• glwk
• gpwk
• g0wk
• g9wk
• goqk
• go3k
• go2k
• gowi
• fgowk
• gfowk
• vgowk
• gvowk
• bgowk
• gbowk
• hgowk
• ghowk
• ygowk

Etymology of GOWK

The etymology of the word "gowk" is traced back to Old Norse. The Old Norse word "gaukr" initially referred to a cuckoo bird and was later figuratively used to mean a fool or simpleton. This word was borrowed into Old English as "geac" and eventually transformed into Middle English "gowk". Over time, "gowk" took on the more general meaning of a person regarded as foolish or gullible. It is a term primarily used in Scotland and northern England to describe someone who is easily tricked or duped.