bonzer en · ADJ
Pronunciation
- /ˈbɒnzə/
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
Entered use 1890s, origin unknown. In 2020 James Lambert reviewed previous theories, and supports derivation from: * boncer (“large marble”) < bouncer (“something prodigiously large”) Lambert also notes as not supported by evidence: * bonanza * French bon (“good”) * "more fanciful" suggestions: ** born star ** Japanese 万歳 (banzai, “long live..., huzzah, hurrah”) ** bonnie
Meanings
-
(Australia, New-Zealand, informal) Remarkable; wonderful; excellent; terrific.
‘By jings, it’s bonzer fun; better’n motor-cars any day.’
1936, Norman Lindsay, The Flyaway Highway, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 24:Inside sat one of the most bonzer sights she′d ever seen.
1991, Noel Virtue, Always the Islands of Memory, page 148:To all the earth she gives the soft glad-eye; She picks no fav′rits in this world o′ men; She peeps in nooks, where ′appy lovers sigh, To make their joy more bonzer still; an′ then, O′er Spadger′s Lane she waves a podgy ′and, An′ turns the scowlin′ slums to Fairyland.
1916, C. J. Dennis, "In Spadger′s Lane", in The Moods of Ginger Mick, 2009, Sydney University Press, page 36By cripes, you couldn′t have a more bonzer place for doing the thing in style with girls.
1945, Douglas Stewart, editor, Coast to Coast: Australian Stories 1945, page 51:If playin' hero is so bonzer, what're you doin' in this job? Y'oughta be workin' for one o' those scandal rags, or with a crowd o' do-gooders, or for some investigation outfit or somethin'.
2007, Eric Stone, The Living Room of the Dead, page 252:The sadness about his father left his face, and he smiled. He seemed pleased to have something positive to do. / 'That's bonzer, Annie. Thanks' he said. 'You're a good sort. And as for Ches, well, he's real bonzer too.'
2006, Philippa Todd, Dangerous Dating, page 110:You’ll make the bonzerest couple ever seen this side the Tropic.
1938, Xavier Herbert, chapter XIII, in Capricornia, New York: D. Appleton-Century, published 1943, page 220:To see their faces brighten and to hear their 'Thanks Cobber, that was bonzer!' was a joy
1915, Young Men's Christian Associations. International Committee, For the millions of men now under arms, volume 2:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| most bonzer | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| more bonzer | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| bonza | alternative | lexicographic | |
| boncer | alternative | lexicographic |
Translations (2)
de wundervoll (wonderful, excellent, terrific) · de hervorragend (wonderful, excellent, terrific)