rubbernecking
|rub-ber-neck-ing|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈrʌbərˌnɛkɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈrʌbəˌnɛkɪŋ/
(rubberneck)
turning to stare
Etymology
Etymology Information
'rubberneck' originates from American English, specifically the word 'rubber' meaning 'to stretch' and 'neck' referring to the act of craning one's neck.
Historical Evolution
'rubberneck' was first used in the early 20th century to describe tourists who would crane their necks to see sights.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to stretch one's neck to see something,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of turning one's head to stare at something in a foolish manner, especially when driving.
Traffic slowed down due to rubbernecking at the accident scene.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/03/14 22:07