looky-loo

plural looky-loos · alternative lookie-lou · alternative lookie-loo

1. informalOne 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.

   2 more examples

   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.

   2009, Stephen Prins, Save That Man, page 162

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

   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

2. informalA look at something; a glance; an opportunity to look around.

   I brought the inspector in for a looky-loo.

   1 more example

   As I walked by, I couldn't help but take a looky-loo.

3. slangA person who comes into a store and looks around but doesn't buy anything.

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

   1 more example

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

   1995, HAL Laboratory, EarthBound, Nintendo, Super Nintendo Entertainment System