gutser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “gutser” mean?
A fall or tumble, especially one that is clumsy or embarrassing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fall or tumble, especially one that is clumsy or embarrassing.
A failure or mistake; a setback or disappointment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not standard in British or American English; it is a regionalism of Australian/NZ English. British speakers might use 'tumble' or 'pratfall'; Americans might say 'wipeout' or 'faceplant' for similar physical falls.
Connotations
In its native context, it carries a mildly humorous, self-deprecating, or colloquial tone. Outside Aus/NZ, it is largely unrecognized.
Frequency
Virtually never used in standard British or American contexts. Frequency is very low outside Australia and New Zealand.
Grammar
How to Use “gutser” in a Sentence
[Subject] had a gutser.[Subject] did a gutser on the [surface].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used informally in Australia/NZ to describe a clumsy fall or mistake.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gutser”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it outside Australian/NZ contexts expecting comprehension.
- Spelling as 'gutsar' or 'gutzer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a colloquial regionalism primarily used in Australia and New Zealand.
Typically, no. It is almost exclusively used as a noun, as in 'have a gutser' or 'do a gutser'.
The most common construction is the phrase 'have a gutser' or 'do a gutser' to mean 'take a fall' or 'make a mistake'.
It is very unlikely without context. It is not part of the standard lexicon in those dialects.
A fall or tumble, especially one that is clumsy or embarrassing.
Gutser is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Gutser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌtsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌtsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come a gutser: to fall over or fail spectacularly.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone's GUTS feeling sore after a clumsy fall – they 'had a GUTSER'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS A PHYSICAL FALL / EMBARRASSMENT IS LOSS OF BALANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'gutser' primarily used?