The spelling of the phrase "had gander" can be a bit confusing to some, but it is actually rather simple when broken down phonetically. "Had" is pronounced /hæd/, and "gander" is pronounced /ˈɡændər/. When the two are put together, you get /ˈhædˌɡændər/. The phrase means to take a look or a glance at something, usually casually. While it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, it is a fun phrase to know and impress people with!
"Had gander" is a phrase that is commonly used in informal and colloquial English. It is derived from the noun "gander," which refers to a male goose. However, in this particular context, "had gander" does not refer to an actual goose, but is used metaphorically to mean "to take a look" or "to investigate."
When someone says "had gander," it implies that they are asking or suggesting to have a quick look or glance at something. It is often used when referring to examining or inspecting an object or situation briefly and casually, without delving into it in great detail. It can also be used to express curiosity or interest in exploring something further.
For example, if someone is unsure about the contents of a package or wants to see inside a closed box, they might say, "Can I have a gander at what's inside?" Similarly, if someone is passing by an attractive display in a store, they may say, "Let's have a gander at those new shoes."
Overall, "had gander" is an informal expression that communicates the idea of taking a quick look or inspecting something casually. It adds a playful and slightly whimsical tone to the conversation, emphasizing a brief and casual examination rather than a deep analysis.
The phrase "had a gander" originated in the English language. The word "gander" in this context comes from the noun form of the word "gander", which refers to a male goose. The term "have a gander" or "had a gander" is idiomatic and means to take a quick look or glance at something. It is believed that the use of "gander" in this expression may have originated from the idea that geese often turn their heads to look at something out of curiosity. The exact etymology of this phrase is unclear, as it is a colloquial expression that evolved over time in English-speaking communities.