What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gaup
Example
Stop gauping at me like that, it's rude. [gaup: verb]
Example
The child was gauping at the magician's tricks with wide-open eyes. [gauping: gerund or present participle]
gawk
Example
Don't gawk at the celebrities, act normal. [gawk: verb]
Example
The tourist was gawking at the historical monument with a silly expression on his face. [gawking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gawk is more commonly used than gaup in everyday language. Gawk is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gaup is less common and may be considered more regional or dialectical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gaup and gawk?
Both gaup and gawk are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.