hoser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily in Canadian English, very rare elsewhere)Informal, colloquial, often humorous
Quick answer
What does “hoser” mean?
A person who engages in the Canadian activity of "hoser hockey" (a casual version of ice hockey where players spray water on the ice to create a smooth surface) or, more broadly, a stereotypical, unsophisticated Canadian.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who engages in the Canadian activity of "hoser hockey" (a casual version of ice hockey where players spray water on the ice to create a smooth surface) or, more broadly, a stereotypical, unsophisticated Canadian.
In Canadian slang, a term for a foolish, clumsy, or unsophisticated person, often used affectionately or humorously. It is strongly associated with Canadian national identity and stereotypes, popularized by the comedy duo Bob and Doug McKenzie.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown and unused in both British and American English outside of contexts explicitly discussing Canadian culture. Americans might encounter it through shows like "SCTV" or "The Great White North."
Connotations
In the UK/US, if recognized, it connotes a specifically Canadian stereotype. In Canada, it has domestic, cultural connotations.
Frequency
Frequency is near-zero in UK/US general usage. In Canada, it is a culturally marked term with moderate recognition but low active use in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “hoser” in a Sentence
You [hoser]!Don't be such a [hoser]Those [hosers] from up northVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoser” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- In a documentary on Canadian comedy, they discussed the archetype of the "hoser."
- The character was portrayed as a classic hoser, complete with a tuque and a love of beer.
American English
- The American viewers were confused by the term "hoser" in the Canadian show.
- He jokingly called his friend a hoser after he spilled his drink, in a nod to a movie they'd seen.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in cultural studies discussing Canadian identity or humour.
Everyday
Used in Canada in casual, humorous contexts among friends; often ironic.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hoser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoser”
- Using it as a general insult outside Canada (sounds bizarre).
- Spelling it as "hosar" or "hozer."
- Assuming it is a common, current Canadian slang (it is somewhat dated but culturally iconic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not commonly. It is more of a humorous, cultural stereotype than a serious insult. Its use is often ironic or affectionate.
Only if you are explicitly discussing Canadian culture or making a very specific cultural reference. Using it otherwise will likely cause confusion.
It is popularly believed to originate from the practice of "hoser hockey," where the losing team would have to hose down the ice. The term was cemented in popular culture by the McKenzie brothers comedy sketches in the early 1980s.
Etymologically, yes. It derives from the noun 'hose' + agent suffix '-er,' referring to someone who uses a hose to flood an ice rink. The modern slang meaning is an extension from that activity.
A person who engages in the Canadian activity of "hoser hockey" (a casual version of ice hockey where players spray water on the ice to create a smooth surface) or, more broadly, a stereotypical, unsophisticated Canadian.
Hoser is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous in register.
Hoser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊzɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take off, eh you hoser!”
- “As useful as a screen door on a beer fridge (attributed to hoser humour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone using a HOSE to flood a backyard ice rink, acting like a silly stereotype. HOSE + -ER = HOSER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS AN UNSOPHISTICATED TOOL-USER (the hose being the tool for making hockey ice).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hoser' MOST likely to be used appropriately?