stickybeak
noun / verb · casual
A person who looks at or asks about other people's business; to have a look out of curiosity.
How Aussies use it
- Our neighbour is a bit of a stickybeak.
- Let's have a stickybeak at the new cafe.
How to pronounce ‘stickybeak’
Say it like this: STIK-ee-beek
‘stickybeak’ in a conversation
Ava: Why are you looking out the window?
Jack: Just having a stickybeak at the new neighbours moving in.
Good to know
It can be gentle teasing ('Don't be a stickybeak!') or just mean having a curious look.
Where you'll hear ‘stickybeak’
You'll hear 'stickybeak' when people talk about someone who is too curious about other people's business, like a neighbour watching from the window. You'll also hear 'have a stickybeak', which simply means have a curious look at something new.
How to reply or use it yourself
If a friend says 'Let's have a stickybeak', they want to go and look at something, like a new shop. If someone calls you a stickybeak, laugh and say 'Sorry, just curious!'
More examples
- We had a stickybeak at the open house on Saturday.
- My aunt is a real stickybeak about my love life.
- The kids had a stickybeak inside the fire truck.
A common mistake
Calling someone a stickybeak to their face can sound rude. 'Having a stickybeak' about yourself is fine.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use nosy person / have a look instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
Let's go and have a ___ at the new market.
Show the answer
stickybeak
Quick check
What does ‘stickybeak’ mean?
- Woolworths, a big Australian supermarket chain.
- The evening meal; dinner.
- A person who looks at or asks about other people's business; to have a look out of curiosity.
Show the answer
C. A person who looks at or asks about other people's business; to have a look out of curiosity.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'stickybeak' mean in Australia?
A person who looks at or asks about other people's business; to have a look out of curiosity. It can be gentle teasing ('Don't be a stickybeak!') or just mean having a curious look.
Can I say 'stickybeak' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'stickybeak' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'stickybeak'?
Say it like this: STIK-ee-beek. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'stickybeak'?
You'll hear 'stickybeak' when people talk about someone who is too curious about other people's business, like a neighbour watching from the window. You'll also hear 'have a stickybeak', which simply means have a curious look at something new.