Discovering A New Word Gongoozler

Photo taken by me - The Bridgewater Canal, Manchester
Preston, England
May 23, 2019 12:41pm CST
In studying pub signs, I hear of some that I haven't directly seen, so for once I don't have a photo of this one, The Gongoozler, in Dudley, near Birmingham in the Midlands. The word is one used by canal boat users (in cargo transportation and leisure craft) for people who stand on the banks and bridges gawking at the boats but not offering to help move the heavy lock gates, grab mooring lines or assist passengers and crew disembarking. I have to guiltily admit to having gongoozled in my time. Arthur Chappell
9 people like this
9 responses
John Roberts
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
23 May 19
It is not onlookers job to do that. One mistake and either side could be sued if an accident occurs.
3 people like this
Alfredo Rossi
@amadeo (111937)
• United States
23 May 19
Good afternoon Nice photo there.Is this where you walk?
2 people like this
Arthur Chappell
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
24 May 19
@amadeo When I lived in Manchester that was a favourite walking area for me
Alfredo Rossi
@amadeo (111937)
• United States
24 May 19
@arthurchappell I can see that.Nice
1 person likes this
Oshy
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
25 May 19
Oh I love it Arthur haha. Never knew it nope.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502343)
• Italy
24 May 19
This is an interesting new world. I am guilty to have gongoozled too.
1 person likes this
Arthur Chappell
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
24 May 19
I see nothing wrong with watching boats go by - I have been on canal boats and I quite like seeing the public wave and admire the boat as it glides past them
1 person likes this
Arthur Chappell
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
25 May 19
@LadyDuck a lot of our old canals have reopened for leisure craft which is lovely
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502343)
• Italy
24 May 19
@arthurchappell This is also I always liked, my native city had many canals with boats when I was young. They have almost all been covered, that is a shame.
1 person likes this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
23 May 19
Thanks, this word got me a search win in Swagbucks. I have gongoozled a few times in my life.
1 person likes this
Arthur Chappell
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
24 May 19
@akalinus great way to win - well done
1 person likes this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
24 May 19
@arthurchappell People on the page said it was a great word. And it is.
1 person likes this
Arthur Chappell
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
25 May 19
@akalinus nice - it is one I will use at every opportunity
Jessica
@JESSY3236 (22247)
• United States
4 Jun 19
I have been guilty of that too. Nice photo.
1 person likes this
Fleur
@Fleura (34957)
• United Kingdom
23 May 19
Oh yes I expect we've all done that! We don't want to offend the sensibilities of the boaters by implying that they are not coping and need help - that's my view anyway!
1 person likes this
LindaOH
@LindaOHio (222280)
• United States
23 May 19
Funny...and interesting.
1 person likes this
Jojo
@Sojourn (13833)
• India
24 May 19
An interesting new English word for me. I think it is colloquial.
1 person likes this