Looker

/ˈlʊkər/ noun

Definition

Someone or something that looks in a certain way, especially an attractive person.

Etymology

From 'look' (Old English 'locian') plus the agent suffix '-er' meaning one who looks; it evolved to mean someone who is worth looking at.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'a real looker' for an attractive person shows how '-er' can flip meaning—from 'one who looks' to 'one who is looked at'!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Term historically applied to women's appearance as primary value metric, reducing women to visual object status. 'She's a looker' frames women through male gaze rather than agency or capability.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid applying to women specifically; if used, apply equally to all genders. Better: reference specific qualities (intelligent, skilled, accomplished) rather than appearance.

Inclusive Alternatives

["person with striking features","notable individual","talented performer"]

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