rubberneck

American  

[ruhb-er-nek] / ˈrʌb ərˌnɛk /

verb (used without object)

1. to look about or stare with great curiosity, as by craning the neck or turning the head.

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verb (used with object)

1. to gawk at.

   The tieup was due to drivers rubbernecking an accident.

noun

1. a sightseer; tourist.

2. an extremely curious person.

rubberneck British  

/ ˈrʌbəˌnɛk /

noun

1. a person who stares or gapes inquisitively, esp in a naive or foolish manner

2. a sightseer or tourist

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verb

1. (intr) to stare in a naive or foolish manner

Etymology

Origin of rubberneck

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; rubber ¹ + neck

Explanation

The term rubberneck describes what you do when you can't help staring at something. People tend to rubberneck when they're passing a car accident on the highway. You might rubberneck at a waiter who drops a huge tray full of glasses. Tourists are sometimes accused of stopping to rubberneck at unfamiliar sights as well. Rubberneck was first used in 1897, from the idea that nosy or curious people turn their heads for a closer look as if their necks are made of rubber.

Example Sentences

In the immediate term, he said, a nuanced message is needed: Don’t go to Lahaina or rubberneck around the ashes.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023

Some turned their heads as they passed by and stopped to briefly rubberneck before heading on their way.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2023

But beyond the impulse to rubberneck, I think it’s useful dwelling on their situation, because it does illustrate a few realities about money—and more importantly, the consumer finance industry—in this country.

From Slate • Nov. 21, 2018

Pedestrians slowed down to rubberneck and then, anticipating the worst, went about their business so as not to be witnesses or innocent bystanders.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2015

Every person I passed stared at me goggle-eyed, stopping whatever they were doing to rubberneck as I walked by.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs