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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GOWK, v.², n.² Also gouk. [gʌuk]

I. v. To gaze, to stare idly or foolishly (Ags. 1808 Jam., gouk; Cai. 1900 E.D.D.; Bnff.⁴ 1927; Ags., Per. 1955). Also in Cum. dial. Cf. Gawk, v., 2.Abd. 1835 Abd. Shaver (Jan.) 128:
Canna ye mak a better use o' your een than goukin' after the Ellon dandy?Sc.(E) 1868 D. M. Ogilvy Willie Wabster 9:
And Wabster ay ahint him gouket.Mearns 1932 “L. G. Gibbon” Sunset Song 24:
You couldn't so much as change your sark without some ill-fashioned brute gowking in at you.Per. 1933 W. Soutar Seeds in the Wind 37:
Lang, lang, I gowkit thru the trees Nor livin thing saw I.Ags. 1988 Raymond Vettese The Richt Noise 15:
I tramp athort fields for a look,
gowk on hirsty soil, hear the hungert craw
hoast owre a dwaiblie stook.

†II. n. A vacant stare (Bnff.¹² c.1860); a look.m.Sc. 1997 Liz Niven Past Presents 18:
Sometimes ye hae a wee keek furst.
An somethin catches yer eye, ken,
A guid fecht or a wean gettin battered,
An ye want tae hae a better gowk.