ogler
UK[ˈəʊɡlə]US[ˈoʊɡlər]
n
a person who stares at someone, especially in a lecherous or impertinent way.
Morpheme Breakdown
ogle
er
ogle
to look at, to eye
er
Etymology
the word 'ogler' is a relatively modern english formation, built upon the verb 'ogle'. the verb 'ogle' itself entered english in the late 17th century, likely borrowed from low german 'ögeln' or dutch 'ogelen', meaning 'to look at, to eye', which are frequentative forms related to the german 'auge' (eye). the agent noun suffix '-er', of old english origin, is then appended to create a noun denoting a person who ogles. thus, the word's literal construction is transparent: 'one who eyes (someone) intently', which evolved specifically to carry the connotation of doing so in a bold, amorous, or offensive manner.
Analysis
Structure: ogle + er
- ogle: from low german or dutch, meaning 'to look at, to eye'. functions as the verb root.
- er: from old english '-ere', an agent noun suffix indicating 'a person who does something'. functions as a derivational suffix.
Examples
the celebrity felt uncomfortable with the persistent ogler in the front row of the audience.
he gained a reputation as an ogler, always making the women in the office uneasy.
security was asked to remove the ogler who was harassing patrons at the art gallery.