looky-loo

English

Alternative forms

• lookie-lou, lookie-loo

Etymology

Reduplicative from look or a compound of look +‎ lew.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌlʊkiˈluː/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

looky-loo (plural looky-loos)

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.

   • 2009, Stephen Prins, Save That Man, page 162:

     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.

   • 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:

     Victor: "Yeah. So what. I'm just another looky-loo."

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.
   • 1995, HAL Laboratory, EarthBound, Nintendo, Super Nintendo Entertainment System:

     This place isn't for looky loos. If you're not buying, get out!

   I was busy all day, but barely made any commissions because I spent all my time with a couple looky-loos.