smasher: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal (for the 'attractive person' sense); neutral for literal and sports senses.
Quick answer
What does “smasher” mean?
A noun referring to a person or thing that smashes or breaks something forcefully.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A noun referring to a person or thing that smashes or breaks something forcefully; in informal British English, an extremely attractive person.
Can denote something excellent or impressive (e.g., a hit song, a great performance); in sports like tennis or badminton, a powerful overhead shot; informally, a decisive victory or success.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The informal meaning 'attractive person' is chiefly British. In American English, it is rarely used with this meaning, primarily retaining the literal and sports-related senses.
Connotations
In British English, it often has a playful, complimentary tone. In American English, it is more functional and literal.
Frequency
More common in British English due to the informal usage; in American English, its use is limited to specific contexts (e.g., sports, demolition).
Grammar
How to Use “smasher” in a Sentence
smasher of [object]smasher in [field/activity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a product or campaign that breaks records.
Academic
Very rare, except in specific studies of language or sports science.
Everyday
Informal, used in conversation, especially in British English to compliment appearance.
Technical
Can refer to a device for crushing or breaking materials, or a type of shot in racket sports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “smasher”
- Using the informal British sense in American English where it may be misunderstood.
- Using 'smasher' as a verb (the verb is 'smash').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally informal, especially when meaning an attractive person. The literal senses (e.g., in sports or demolition) can be neutral.
No, 'smasher' is a noun. The verb form is 'smash'.
The meaning 'attractive person' is almost exclusively British. Americans are more likely to use it literally.
Not many. 'A real smasher' is an informal phrase meaning something or someone excellent or attractive.
A noun referring to a person or thing that smashes or breaks something forcefully.
Smasher: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsmæʃ.ə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsmæʃ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a real smasher (meaning excellent or attractive)”
- “smasher of records”
- “smasher of a shot”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tennis player SMASHing the ball – that player is a SMASHER. Or, in Britain, someone so attractive they 'smash' your expectations.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD IS PHYSICALLY POWERFUL / ATTRACTIVENESS IS IMPACT.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'smasher' commonly used to mean an attractive person?