motser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “motser” mean?
(Australian & New Zealand slang) A large sum of money, a windfall, or a prize.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(Australian & New Zealand slang) A large sum of money, a windfall, or a prize.
Can refer specifically to gambling winnings, a lucky financial gain, or a significant, often unexpected, sum of money.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not used in standard British or American English. It is a regionalism of Australia and New Zealand.
Connotations
In its regions, it has a positive, colloquial connotation of good fortune.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of Australasia; unfamiliar to most other English speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “motser” in a Sentence
to win [a motser]to come into [a motser]to clean up [a motser]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used colloquially in Australasia to discuss gambling wins or unexpected money.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “motser”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it outside Australia/NZ without explanation.
- Spelling it as 'motzer' or 'motzor'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a slang term specific to Australian and New Zealand English.
No, it typically refers to a windfall, prize, or gambling winnings, not regular income.
Its etymology is uncertain but it is considered part of Australasian slang, possibly from Yiddish or Polari influences via British slang.
It is commonly pronounced /ˈmɒtsə/ (MOT-suh) in Australia and New Zealand.
(Australian & New Zealand slang) A large sum of money, a windfall, or a prize.
Motser is usually informal, slang in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clean up a motser”
- “come into a motser”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MOTSer' as 'MOTor + SERvice' money – a big, unexpected bill, but in reverse: a big, unexpected GAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A LUCKY CATCH/PRIZE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely hear the word 'motser'?