Replying to Gaper or gaper

so i heard an argument between two friends about weather the word is pronounced gap {like the store} er the other side said it was gay per, The gaper side claimed that the term originates from the gap placed between the goggles and roof of helmate that gapers often have. The other side said that its just how its pronounced i will not reveal what i believed in the argument due to fear of extreme hate. To sttle the argument i have created this thread vote a) if you belive it is gap er and b) for gay per give reasons for youre argument