gasper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang (dated)
Quick answer
What does “gasper” mean?
A cigarette of poor quality, or a cigarette smoked in general (dated).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cigarette of poor quality, or a cigarette smoked in general (dated).
An informal, often derogatory, term for a cheap cigarette. Also, a person who breathes heavily or gasps, though this usage is rare. The term can sometimes refer to a device or person that emits gas, but this is highly context-specific and uncommon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term was more common and recognisable in British English historically. American English had other slang terms (e.g., 'coffin nail') and 'gasper' is less known.
Connotations
In British English, it strongly evokes a bygone era, possibly wartime or post-war austerity. In American English, if understood, it's a quaint and obscure slang.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern use in both varieties. If encountered, it is in historical fiction, older films, or by elderly speakers. British English retains a slightly higher passive recognition.
Grammar
How to Use “gasper” in a Sentence
He smoked a cheap gasper.Fancy a gasper? (offer)He lit up a gasper.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used in business contexts.
Academic
Only appears in historical, sociological, or linguistic studies of slang.
Everyday
Virtually obsolete. Might be used self-consciously for humour or period effect.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gasper”
- Using it as a modern synonym for any cigarette.
- Assuming it's a brand name or a type of cigarette filter.
- Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a dated slang term and is extremely rare in modern speech. You will likely only encounter it in historical contexts.
While theoretically possible based on the verb 'to gasp', this usage is exceptionally rare and not the established meaning of the slang noun. The primary meaning is always the cigarette.
'Fag' is a general, informal term for a cigarette. 'Gasper' is a subset, specifically implying a cheap, harsh, or unpleasant cigarette. Not all fags are gasp-worthy gasp.
The etymology is uncertain. It likely comes from the idea that a low-quality cigarette makes the smoker cough, splutter, or gasp for air due to its harshness.
A cigarette of poor quality, or a cigarette smoked in general (dated).
Gasper is usually informal, slang (dated) in register.
Gasper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːspə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæspər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As welcome as a gasper in a gas chamber (rare, dark humour)”
- “Going for a gasper (dated, 'going for a cigarette')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person GASPING for breath after inhaling a harsh, cheap GASPER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LOW-QUALITY PRODUCT IS A 'GASPER' (emphasising the harsh, unpleasant effect on the user).
Practice
Quiz
The slang term 'gasper' is most accurately described as: