It is based on the “male goose” definition of “gander”. “Gander”, meaning “male goose”, derives from the Old English “gandra”, which ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *ghans-, meaning “goose”.
Why is it called a gander?
Definition of take a gander at
Look at, glance at, as in Will you take a gander at that woman’s red hair! This slangy idiom, dating from the early 1900s, presumably came from the verb gander, meaning “stretch one’s neck to see,” possibly alluding to the long neck of the male goose. For a synonym, see take a look at.
What’s the difference between a goose and a gander?
A female goose is called – well, a goose! While male geese are called ganders. Female geese are shy and generally quieter than males.
What does Gander mean in British slang?
A fool, simpleton. (slang, used only with “have”, “get” and “take”) A glance, look. Have a gander at what he’s written.
What do you call a female goose?
A male goose is called a gander. A female goose is (sometimes) called a dame. A young goose is called a gosling. A group of geese together on the ground is called a gaggle.
Where did the phrase what’s good for the goose is good for the gander come from?
Etymology. 1670s, figuratively using goose/gander for women and men, and literally meaning that the same sauce applies equally well to cooked goose, regardless of sex. Early forms include “as deep drinketh the goose as the gander” (1562) and similar “As well for the coowe calfe as for the bull” (1549).
What does the goose is hanging high mean?
Answer. This expression is based on a superstition of that time. When geese flew low, it meant that evil spirits were present. When geese flew, or “hung,” high in the sky, the evil spirits were gone, and all was well.
What does it mean if a goose hisses at you?
To protect their young.
Geese are very territorial and protective, so they scream and hiss at humans or other animals who get too close to their nests and babies.
What is a group of ducks called?
Ducks: raft, team, paddling, badling.
How many geese are in a gander?
The number of geese to one gander varies; generally the more geese per gander the better, provided fertility and hatchability are not affected. With the heavier breeds, use one gander to three geese. With the Chinese breed, use one gander to about five geese.
What’s the definition of a hunky dory?
[slang], OK. (or okay), palatable, satisfactory.
What is the opposite of Gander?
Answer: Goose is the sexual opposite of ‘gander’. A gander signifies a male goose. In common parlance, the word ‘goose’ refers to the adult female goose, which is more frequently known by its singular name, ‘goose. ‘
What is the plural form of goose?
plural geese /ˈgiːs/
What is a group of Canadian geese called?
The female is called a goose and the male is a gander. The young are know as goslings. The Canada goose has webbed feet for swimming. A group of geese has many collective nouns, including a “flock”, “chevron”, and “string” of geese.
Do geese have teeth on their tongues?
“Geese eat all kinds of tough food,” continued Amaral-Rogers. “Having tomia on their beak and tongue helps them to rip and pull roots, stems, grasses and aquatic plants from the ground. The ‘teeth’ on their tongue also help clamp down on small mammals and insects.”
Can you eat goose pink?
How to roast a goose. Unlike turkey and chicken, which should be roasted until the meat is an opaque white, goose can be served slightly pink. However, the legs need cooking for a lot longer than the breast, so keep the temperature low.
Is a gander male or female?
The term “goose” may refer to either a male or female bird, but when paired with “gander”, refers specifically to a female one (the latter referring to a male).
Who said sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander?
John Ray , who was the first to record this saying (in his English Proverbs of 1670 ), remarked ‘This is a woman’s Proverb’.
What’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander meaning?
The saying, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander.” states that something that is good for one should be good for all.
Do geese grieve when their mate dies?
When a goose’s mate dies, that bird will mourn in seclusion—and some geese spend the rest of their lives as widows or widowers, refusing to mate again.
Do geese remember you?
The goose is one of the most intelligent birds. It has a good memory and does not forget people, animals or situations easily which is what makes it such a good watch animal against intruders whether human or animal.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.