Have a squiz 👀🤏

Meaning

To take a quick look at something.

Origin

This cheeky phrase likely emerged from Cockney rhyming slang. The word 'squiz' is said to be a rhyming slang for 'quiz', which itself is a shortening of 'Quiz Master'. A quiz master looks at contestants, hence, to have a squiz is to have a look. It sprang fully formed into Australian vernacular around the mid-20th century, a vivid and playful way to describe a brief inspection, becoming a staple in casual conversation down under.

🗣️ communication 😮 surprise

Have a squiz represented with emoji👀🤏

This playful arrangement of emoji functions as a delightful invitation to 'have a squiz,' a quaint invitation to take a quick look. It elegantly illustrates how even the simplest visual cues can encapsulate a meaning, encouraging us to not just see, but to truly observe the world through a lens of joyful discovery.

Examples

  • Can I have a quick squiz at your notes before the test?
  • Let's have a squiz at the new menu they just put up.
  • I asked the goblin to have a squiz at my treasure map, just in case I missed a dragon.
  • The cat, with eyes like emeralds, decided to have a brief squiz at the shimmering butterfly.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'have a squiz' formal or informal English?

'Have a squiz' is distinctly informal language. It originates from Australian vernacular and Cockney rhyming slang, making it unsuitable for formal writing or speeches.

Can 'have a squiz' be used in American English?

While understandable to some Americans, 'have a squiz' is not a native or common phrase in American English. Its usage is primarily confined to Australian and British English speakers, particularly those familiar with its Cockney rhyming slang roots.

What's the literal meaning of 'squiz' if it's not obvious?

The literal 'meaning' of 'squiz' in this context is derived from Cockney rhyming slang, where it likely shortens 'Quiz Master'. A quiz master observes contestants, hence 'to have a squiz' means to take a look.

Is 'have a squiz' a modern slang term?

'Have a squiz' is not modern slang; it emerged in Australian vernacular around the mid-20th century. While playful and casual, its origins are rooted in older rhyming slang traditions.

Similar to "have a squiz"

Take a gander
Both suggest a casual look, but 'take a gander' feels more folksy and American, like you're spotting something unexpected with a slight sense of amusement
Cast an eye over
This shares the quick inspection idea, but 'cast an eye over' sounds more methodical, like you're briefly assessing something for a specific purpose, rather than just a casual glance
Peer at
Like 'have a squiz,' it's about looking, but 'peer at' implies a more intense, focused scrutiny, as if you're trying to decipher something difficult to see or understand

Opposite of "have a squiz"

Give it the cold shoulder
This argues for deliberate avoidance rather than a quick look, suggesting that some things are better left unexamined, creating a tension around the impulse to investigate
Dive in headfirst
It champions full immersion and commitment, contrasting sharply with the fleeting inspection of 'have a squiz' by advocating for a complete surrender to the experience
Turn a blind eye
Where 'have a squiz' is about active observation, even if brief, this phrase champions willful ignorance, arguing for the merits of consciously not seeing

Related to "have a squiz"

Have a butchers
This Cockney rhyming slang phrase is a direct cousin to 'have a squiz,' sharing the same playful, informal British spirit of a quick look
Scope it out
Similar to 'have a squiz,' this implies a quick assessment, but 'scope it out' has a more proactive, investigative, almost reconnaissance-like feel
Check it
This shares the fundamental idea of looking to verify or inspect, but 'check it' often carries a more functional, task-oriented purpose than the casual curiosity of 'have a squiz'
Have a mooch
While 'have a squiz' is about the visual, 'have a mooch' suggests a leisurely, unstructured wander, sharing the relaxed pace but focusing on movement rather than sight