Dictionary

looky-loo en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˌlʊkiˈluː/
• (Australia) audio

Etymology

Reduplication from look or a compound of look + lew.

Meanings

1. (informal) One who looks or stares; a gawker; a nosy or overly inquisitive person.
   • After the accident, I had to shoo away a bunch of looky-loos.
   • Victor: "Yeah. So what. I'm just another looky-loo." 2011, Breaking Bad (Season 4), 'Boxcutter' (Episode 1 of Season 4) at 8' 50". Victor and Mike Ehrmantraut conversing, Victor having just returned from Gale's apartment, about whether or not Victor got seen by other witnesses at the scene of the crime
   • I looked away and cursed under my breath, waving angrily at some looky-loos who are slowing down and craning their necks to see their quota of other people's misery for the day. 2009, Stephen Prins, Save That Man, page 162:
2. (informal) A look at something; a glance; an opportunity to look around.
   • I brought the inspector in for a looky-loo.
   • As I walked by, I couldn't help but take a looky-loo.
3. (slang) A person who comes into a store and looks around but doesn't buy anything.
   • This place isn't for looky loos. If you're not buying, get out! 1995, HAL Laboratory, EarthBound, Nintendo, Super Nintendo Entertainment System:
   • I was busy all day, but barely made any commissions because I spent all my time with a couple looky-loos.

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