wowser

noun

wow·​ser ˈwau̇-zər 

chiefly Australia

: an obtrusively puritanical person

Did you know?

Wowser is a delightful word with an interesting background, though its ultimate origin is unknown. The word first appeared in print in 1899, in the Australian journal Truth, and was instantly popular in Australia. It spread to New Zealand, where it remains in use, and then eventually arrived in England, possibly brought by the Australian troops who served there during World War I. The American writer and editor H. L. Mencken liked "wowser" and attempted to introduce it in the United States. He used the word frequently in American Mercury, the literary magazine he edited. Despite Mencken's efforts the term never truly caught on in American English, though it is used occasionally.

Synonyms

• bluenose
• moralist
• Mrs. Grundy
• nice nelly
• prude
• puritan

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, a wowser is commonly someone who looks to crack down on enjoyment. —Michelle Elias, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

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