Lesson Six
Oh, these homonyms … how they throw everyone for a loop! The simplicity of peak/peek is, one’s pointy and the other one’s an eyeful.
Peak is a noun, referring to the apex, the zenith, the pinnacle: the highest point of anything, be it a mountain, a building, the atmosphere, or even a career. The highest point in the United States is the peak of Mount McKinley in Alaska. The topmost position in a monarchy is the hereditary king or queen. The maximum capacity my iPod can hold is two gigs. The busiest point in traffic is during rush hour. Peak. Very simple, very clear cut: all people want to get to the top. Peak. I’m guessing that’s what all those weirdoes in Fame were dancing about. . . .
Ex. 1: No matter what anyone says, a superhero hasn’t reached their peak until they achieve Superman-like magnitude in fame.
Ex. 2: The peak of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was at the climax, when … well, why don’t you read for yourself and you tell me? :D
Now, peek is an entirely different ballgame. Peek is mostly a verb meaning to steal a look, glance, glimpse, peep, look quickly and furtively. For example, when you’re driving (if you know how to drive), it’s common knowledge that you are not supposed to rubberneck, which means glance at an accident scene or something that really doesn’t concern you elsewhere on the road. However, every driver (and non-driver) knows resistance is futile. Even the best drivers will steal a glimpse at an eye-opening single or multiple vehicle crash, taking a peek for a brief second. Or, a better example, how many of us were celebrating events or holidays where gifts were exchanged and some lazy sod (no offense, big bro) decided to just throw the gift in a bag and cover it with toilet—er, tissue paper? Though our parents or some adult told us not to sneak a glance, what did we do (or what did I not do *winkwinknudgenudge*)? We snuck a glance. Can’t resist a peek, dude (it’s my birthday, dagnabit!).
Ex. 3: Though I know where my mom hides the Christmas presents, I haven’t stolen a peek in that particular wardrobe since I was ten (or was it 21?).
Ex. 4: Peter couldn’t help but peek into the locker room full of girls, but luckily Coach Bleeker caught the peeping tom in the act.
Ex. 5: “Just a peek,” Glen whispered to his anxious lookout in the darkness. “It’s not like I’m stealing Mr. McMurray’s exam.”
“Oh,” moaned a beady-eyed Ralph. “We’re gonna get caught, I know it!”
“Relax, McMurray’s not gonna catch us. He’s never gonna know—” Suddenly, a blinding white light filled the room causing both boys to jump out of their skins.
“That you broke into my office to take a quick look at the exam, Mr. Monroe?” a stern voice stated as the lights switched on. Ralph and Glen stared in wide-eyed shock at the furious expression on their teacher’s face, their eyes straying to the camera in his hand. “I believe the words you are looking for are, ‘uh-oh’.”
The boys swallowed thickly, simultaneously responding, “Uh-oh…”
Remember: peak is your highest point, and peek means to cast a quick glance. So get where you’ve got to go, but don’t cheat. Seriously. And no rubbernecking, no matter how tempting it is (ouch! That had to hurt, Mr. Mercedes Benz…).
