Meaning of gunzel | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A railway or tram enthusiast; particularly (formerly derogatory) one who is overly enthusiastic or foolish.
   Australia
2. An enthusiast or geek with a specific interest.
   Australia, broadly
3. Alternative spelling of gunsel.
   US, alt-of, alternative

Examples

“'There're people who have an intellectual impairment,' he said, 'and studying trains seems a natural thing for them to gravitate to. And then there're people who have more of a hobby-style interest in it.' […] He feels gunzels are misunderstood by the outside world …”

“[L]ike many model train enthusiasts, he now takes some pride in being called a foamer, or a gunzel, or even a gricer – all names for those who enjoy model trains.”

“He loved the job and for him the job was his life. He wasn't a gunzel [tram obsessive], he was far more interested [in] his passengers.”

“Marcus Wong, a self-described gunzel (rail obsessive) and engineering geek, conducted his experiment in two stages – timing the hybrid Metcard/myki barriers in June and again last week with the new myki-only gates that have replaced them.”

“At 2.27am when it slows to a halt at Bendigo railway station for a crew change, two young gunzels (rail fanatics) are waiting with cameras on the platform alongside the crew.”

“Los Angeles is "the city of angels". And Melbourne? Well, Melbourne should be the "city of gunzels", says former tram conductor Roberto D'Andrea.”

“Gunzels take note: the trial next generation reader has been installed on tram number 6008.”

“I ask him about Australian trainspotters. 'Do such people exist?' / 'We call them train gunzels. A gunzel is a person who is really stuck on one thing. In Sydney you get guys on the platforms. This carriage here is the CDF924 – that's the number for Matilda's Restaurant. The guys on the platform will say, "Oh, I haven't seen that for a while"[…]'”

CEFR level