The spelling of the word "Gowdnook" may seem confusing, but it is actually quite simple when broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /gaʊd.nʊk/, with the first syllable pronounced as "gowd" and the second syllable pronounced as "nook." The spelling of the first syllable is based on the sound of the diphthong /aʊ/, which is a combination of the sounds "ow" and "uh." The spelling of the second syllable is straightforward and reflects the common spelling of "nook."