What it means
A gander is a look, usually a quick, nosy peek. You’ll mostly hear it as have a gander, meaning come and check this out. It’s light, friendly, and a bit cheeky, perfect for gossip, dodgy bargains, or anything mildly dramatic. The word’s also a male goose, and how it became “look” is still a bit murky.
Usage examples
"Oi, mate, have a gander at that new tattoo. Looks alright from here, but up close it’s gone a bit wobbly, bless him."
"Have a gander at this text she sent, tell me I'm not reading way too much into it."
"Come round the back and have a gander at the motor before you put any money down on it."
"Have a gander at this, the shop's flogging that knackered lamp like it's some vintage treasure."
"Go on, have a gander out the window, your man across the road's trying to reverse that van for the fifth time."
Where it comes from
A gander is a male goose, and geese are forever craning those long necks to nose at whatever is going on. Have a gander borrows that stretchy, curious neck and turns it into a quick nosy look, the kind you sneak at something you really should not be clocking.
