dosser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, potentially derogatory.
Quick answer
What does “dosser” mean?
A person who is homeless and sleeps rough, especially someone who lives on the streets.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is homeless and sleeps rough, especially someone who lives on the streets.
Informally, it can also mean a lazy or idle person, someone who avoids work; historically, a basket or a simple bed (obsolescent).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is predominantly used in British English. In American English, the concept is more likely expressed with terms like 'homeless person', 'bum', or 'vagrant'.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries strong connotations of social marginalisation and poverty. It is not a neutral term.
Frequency
Very rare in American English; low-frequency but recognisable in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “dosser” in a Sentence
He's turned into a complete dosser.The alley was a refuge for several dossers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dosser” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been dossing on his mate's sofa for weeks.
- They dossed down in the station waiting room.
American English
- He's been crashing on his buddy's couch for weeks.
- They bedded down in the train station.
adverb
British English
- He lives doss, moving from place to place.
American English
- He lives hand-to-mouth, moving from place to place.
adjective
British English
- He had a doss bag (sleeping bag) with him.
- It's a real doss-house of a flat.
American English
- He had a sleeping bag with him.
- It's a real flophouse of an apartment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in sociological texts discussing homelessness.
Everyday
Informal, potentially insensitive term for a homeless person.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dosser”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dosser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dosser”
- Using it as a neutral or polite term for a homeless person.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is common or understood in American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and often considered derogatory or insensitive when referring to homeless people. More neutral terms are 'homeless person' or 'rough sleeper'.
Yes, informally it can describe a lazy, idle person who avoids responsibility or work. This meaning derives from the core meaning.
They are largely synonymous, both being informal and somewhat dated. 'Tramp' might historically imply more travelling, while 'dosser' emphasises the act of sleeping rough. Both can be pejorative.
No, 'to doss' (meaning to sleep rough or idle about) is also a Britishism. Americans would use phrases like 'to crash', 'to loaf', or 'to bum around'.
A person who is homeless and sleeps rough, especially someone who lives on the streets.
Dosser is usually informal, potentially derogatory. in register.
Dosser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dosser house (a cheap, run-down lodging house)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'doss' as in 'doss down' (to sleep in a makeshift bed). A 'dosser' is someone who 'dosses down' on the streets.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOMELESSNESS IS A STATE OF PERMANENT IMPROVISED SLEEPING.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'dosser' most commonly used and understood?