Traditional
Still common
Definition
A nosy, prying person.
Example Sentence
"Don't be a stickybeak - it's none of your business."
Where "Stickybeak" Comes From
Believed to be inspired by birds that peck and poke their beaks into things out of curiosity, translated into a description of a person who can't help prying into others' business.
The compound word paints a clear mental picture — a nose (or beak) constantly poking where it shouldn't.
How Aussies Actually Use It
A gently disapproving way to call someone out for nosiness — "don't be a stickybeak, it's none of your business" is a common line from parents to curious kids, and between adults too.
It can also be used as a verb, as in "having a stickybeak," meaning to have a nosy look around out of curiosity.
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