gander

/ˈgændər/

/ˈgændə/

Other forms: ganders

A gander is a male goose, and also an insult meaning "simpleton," a bit like calling someone "a silly goose."

Besides being the proper name for a male goose and a slang word for silly man, the word gander also shows up in the idiom "take a gander." The slang sense of gander comes from the meaning recorded in 1886, to take a long look by craning one's neck like a goose, or wander foolishly (again, like a goose).

Definitions of gander

1. noun

   mature male goose
   type of:

   goose

   web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
2. noun

   a quick look
   synonyms: coup d'oeil, glance, glimpse

   types:

   eye-beaming

   a radiant glance of the eye

   side-glance, side-look

   a glance sideways

   type of:

   look, looking, looking at

   the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually