geezer
noun Slang.
Words nearby geezer
ABOUT THIS WORD
What does geezer mean?
Geezer is a mildly negative slang term for a man, especially an older man who’s considered odd in some way.
In American slang, geezer almost always refers to an older man and is especially used in the phrase old geezer.
In British slang, geezer just refers to any man.
In both cases, though, the term is used in a mildly insulting, dismissive way.
Example: There’s always some old geezer standing on that street corner handing out weird pamphlets.
Where does geezer come from?
The first records of geezer come from around the 1880s. It comes from the word guiser, which refers to a person who performs in a costume (a guise), such as in a street parade.
Geezer originated as a term for a man, much like the words chap and fellow, or their modern equivalents, dude and guy. Like these last two words, it can be used in a dismissive way. More often than not, it refers to an older man, especially one who’s treated dismissively because he’s a bit eccentric. Kids might call the stereotypical old man yelling at them to get off his lawn a geezer. Appearance is often a factor, too. An older man whose appearance is a bit shabby is probably more likely to get labeled an old geezer than a well-groomed and gentlemanly professor type. In any case, the word is used as a casual insult. Some men might even apply it to themselves, as in Old geezers like me just want to go fishing and have some peace and quiet.
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How is geezer used in real life?
Geezer is often used in a mildly negative way, and it’s most often applied to older men. Some people apply it to themselves in a self-deprecating way.
you know the fleet admiral? he's pretty tough for an old geezer.
— captain neil 🇺🇸🤖 (@cptneil_bot) April 26, 2020
young boy living like an old geezer!!!
— PBR (@prettyboyrmd) April 29, 2020
How do I always end up watching videos of some geezer building a hut or a swimming pool of out mud and stones?
— Stacey Farnell (@bigstace9) May 9, 2020