gasser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (archaic/dated slang)Informal / Slang (dated); Technical (obsolete)
Quick answer
What does “gasser” mean?
Something or someone that is exceptionally amusing, entertaining, or excellent (dated slang).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something or someone that is exceptionally amusing, entertaining, or excellent (dated slang).
Informal: a person who talks excessively; technical/obsolete: a device or vehicle powered by illuminating gas, or a worker dealing with gas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both. The slang sense (amusing/excellent) was more prevalent in mid-20th century AmE. The technical/historical sense of a gas-powered vehicle might have had slightly more UK usage.
Connotations
In modern context, if used, it heavily signals dated or nostalgic speech, possibly ironic. In its negative sense ('bore'), it is mildly derogatory.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary use. Most likely encountered in historical contexts, old films, or literature.
Grammar
How to Use “gasser” in a Sentence
be a [gasser]That's a [gasser]!What a [gasser]!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gasser” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That comedian's gasser routine had us in stitches.
- He told a truly gasser story about his grandad.
American English
- That's a gasser of a movie from the '60s.
- She's a gasser comedian on the old circuit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in historical/linguistic studies of slang.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be used for humorous, anachronistic effect.
Technical
Obsolete term for a gas-engine vehicle or a gas fitter/worker.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gasser”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it's a common modern synonym for 'funny'.
- Confusing it with 'gaslight' or 'gasifier'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered dated or archaic slang. You might hear it in old movies or used for a nostalgic/humorous effect.
Yes, in later 20th-century usage, it could mean a person who talks too much or is a bore, though this is also now dated.
Historically, yes. One obsolete meaning was for vehicles or devices running on illuminating gas. The slang meaning is a metaphorical extension, implying something that affects you like a gas (e.g., leaves you breathless with laughter).
Generally, no. It is informal, dated slang and not appropriate for formal or academic writing, unless you are specifically analysing its linguistic history.
Something or someone that is exceptionally amusing, entertaining, or excellent (dated slang).
Gasser is usually informal / slang (dated); technical (obsolete) in register.
Gasser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.ə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's a real gasser!”
- “What a gasser!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car that runs on GAS and makes you laugh until you're out of breath – a real GASSER!
Conceptual Metaphor
AMUSEMENT IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (that takes your breath away like gas).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a historical, non-slang meaning of 'gasser'?