nosy look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nosy look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look that indicates curiosity or prying into someone else's business, often in a disapproving manner. Example: "She gave him a nosy look when she overheard his conversation about the surprise party."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The last thing everyone needs is one more person slowing down to take a picture or video, or just a really long, nosy look.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Be nosy - look around the whole campus and meet as many people as possible.

The Guardian

If anyone asks you nosy questions, look them in the eye hypnotically and smile tenderly, then sweetly say, "That's none of your business... ........ Try yoga and meditation to make you a calmer person and still your mind- when your mind is clear, it's easier to act like a vampire!

WikiHow

War Horse, she says, is a case in point: "I'm a very nosy person and looking around at the audience when I went to see War Horse, I noticed there were people of every single age.

Independent

But this freedom is accompanied by condescending looks, nosy questions, and classifications as selfish.

Huffington Post

"And I'm quite nosy, so I'll look it up.

The New York Times - Sports

They draw thousands of people who want to see the latest ideas in decorating, who like old neighborhoods or who are just nosy and want to look inside someone else's house.

The New York Times

"Indian parents are very nosy, they like to look at your bank statements," Kaur says.

BBC

Mothers with one child reached out to tell me the condescending looks, the nosy questions don't stop after you've had your first child.

Huffington Post

And it is not just one building; seven buildings in total are now fully open for prospective students, staff – or just nosy parkers – to have a look inside.

The Guardian - Tech

Simon Puttock's Mouse's First Night at Moonlight School (Nosy Crow, £10.99) takes a reassuring look at feeling shy on the first day in the classroom.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nosy look" sparingly, as it can sound judgmental or negative. Consider whether a more neutral term like "curious glance" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "nosy look" when the observation is innocent or harmless. "Nosy" implies a deliberate intent to pry or intrude, so ensure that the context justifies this negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nosy look" functions as a noun phrase where "nosy" is an adjective modifying the noun "look". It describes a specific type of visual observation characterized by unwarranted curiosity or intrusiveness. Ludwig identifies this phrase as acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nosy look" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe an intrusive or overly curious visual observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used in written English, though it's relatively rare and generally carries a negative connotation. While it appears in various sources, it leans towards informal contexts. When writing, be mindful of the judgmental tone and consider if a more neutral term better suits the situation. Alternatives like "inquisitive gaze" or "prying eyes" may offer a different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitive gaze

Replaces "look" with "gaze", implying a more sustained and thoughtful observation.

intrusive glance

Replaces "look" with "glance", suggesting a quick but invasive observation.

prying eyes

Shifts from the act of looking to the instrument (eyes), emphasizing the intrusiveness.

probing gaze

Emphasizes the investigative quality of the observation.

curious stare

Replaces "nosy" with "curious" softening the judgment of the observation.

unwarranted scrutiny

Focuses on the lack of justification for the look, highlighting its impropriety.

searching look

Indicates a deep and earnest form of looking.

peering intently

Shifts the expression to the action of 'peering', suggesting more effort and possibly sneakiness.

over-the-shoulder glance

Specifies the direction and implicitness of the look.

gossipy observation

Changes from physical look to a more verbal, social assessment.

FAQs

How can I describe a "nosy look" without using the word "nosy"?

You can use alternatives such as "inquisitive gaze", "prying eyes", or "intrusive glance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "nosy look" always negative?

Yes, the phrase "nosy look" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is intruding on private matters. However, the degree of negativity can depend on the context and the intent of the observer. In some cases, it might be used humorously or playfully.

What's the difference between a "nosy look" and a "curious look"?

A "curious look" suggests simple interest or a desire to learn, while a "nosy look" implies an inappropriate or intrusive interest in something that is not one's business. The /s/curious+look may not be negative but the /s/nosy+look usually is.

Can "nosy look" be used in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "nosy look" is more common in informal or conversational contexts. For formal writing, consider using more neutral or precise language to describe the observation, such as "inquisitive examination" or "unwarranted scrutiny".