WOTD – Groke

Groke

There is consensus from the few publications I’ve looked at – even the Urban Dictionary that the old Scottish word Groke means to

gaze at somebody while they’re eating in the hope that they’ll give you some of their food

The Scotsman succinctly adds context

WHAT is it about people who only get hungry when you’ve bought something to eat?

The Guardian further expands on its usage with the following snippet of history:

The word was originally used to refer to dogs – and any dog owner whose canine friend has salivated beside them while they eat a steak will know why – but it can also be used to describe that colleague who sidles up to you from across the office when you open a box of chocolates.

Regardless of the details, I find Groke such a precise word, the application of which I could have used on many occasions had I known about it before.

But no crying over spilt milk; Groke has entered my vocabulary now and it’s here to stay.

I can’t wait to start using it.

I’m already side eying a few individuals who will benefit from being informed of the meaning of Groke.

Yet, before I end on this congratularoty note, I feel that I should mention two things one of which is new to me.

One: I had no idea that there was a scary character in the Swedish children’s animation Moomin called The Groke. How did I miss it!

She appears as a ghost-like, hill-shaped body with two cold staring eyes and a wide row of white shiny teeth.

Two: Grok without an ‘e’ is pronounced differently which is one explanation for its dissimilar meaning. The other being that it is the only English word that derives from Martian.

understand (something) intuitively or by empathy.

Grok is a great concept summarised. Robert A Heinlein wrote fantastic books and this is a reminder that I’m due to reread some of them, where better to start than with Stranger In A Strange Land.

Added to the tbr pile.

When will it end

Share This Blog Post

Engrossed Reader

Reading whenever she can, often to the detriment of sleep. Enjoying most genres with preference for ebooks and audiobooks, mainly for convenience.

You may also like...