Literary notes about gawp (AI summary)
In literature, "gawp" is employed as a term that captures both a state of wide-eyed wonder and an act of social engagement. In passages such as [1] and [2], the term depicts characters pausing to take in something surprising, indicating a spontaneous reaction that mixes curiosity with a bit of theatricality. In [3], the word underscores the sheer astonishment at a luxurious spectacle, while in [4] and [5] it suggests a more communal, almost ritualistic behavior, as groups collectively express fascination. Additionally, in [6] and [7], "gawp" conveys a nuanced attitude of playful reproach, hinting at socially constructed norms about how one should react.
- Walkin' over to Skeet I taps him on the shoulder, and then it's his turn to gawp at my costume.
— from Torchy, Private Sec. by Sewell Ford - Just as I stops to gawp at the proceedin's he seems to be askin' her something, real eager and earnest.
— from Torchy and Vee by Sewell Ford - I tried not to gawp at what must have been a couple million bucks' worth of condo.
— from Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - As we comes alongside they sort of groups themselves into a gawp committee forward, and I caught them passin' the smile and nudge to each other.
— from Wilt Thou Torchy by Sewell Ford - He shoves his chair back into the corner and continues 186 to gawp; so I just has to let on that he ain't there at all.
— from Shorty McCabe on the Job by Sewell Ford - “Don’t gawp like that, ’Pollo,” said Oakum at last, as his companion yawned in a fashion that was quite shark-like.
— from Dutch the Diver; Or, A Man's Mistake by George Manville Fenn - ‘You needn’t gawp like that,’ Jane went on.
— from The Story of the Amulet by E. (Edith) Nesbit
