rubberneck

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a tourist who is visiting sights of interest
  2. noun a person who stares inquisitively
  3. verb strain to watch; stare curiously

Etymology

From rubber + neck. Coined in the sense of "tourist" in the United States in the late 19th century. A favored Americanism of H.L. Mencken.

Synonyms

sightseer, excursionist, tripper

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