gowk
Americannoun
-
a stupid person; fool
-
a cuckoo
Etymology
Origin of gowk
1275–1325; Middle English goke < Old Norse gaukr; cognate with Old English gēac, German Gauch
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This is another fun term derived from the cuckoo, known as a gowk in some Scottish dialects.
From Time ● Mar. 20, 2014
I’m no to be an idle gowk like Clifton Holt, to throw away my chances.
From David Fleming's Forgiveness by G. H. (George Henry) Edwards
Ye may say I was a muckle gowk.
From Alec Forbes of Howglen by George MacDonald
And Mr. Cathro made the best of it, wringing Tommy's hand effusively, while muttering, "Fool, donnard stirk, gowk!"
From Tommy and Grizel by J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie
For similar parallel forms cp. gowk and goilk; nowt and nolt; howk and holk; lowp and loip; bowdyn and boildin, etc.
From Scandinavian influence on Southern Lowland Scotch by George Tobias Flom
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
