whizzer
(ˈhwɪzə(r))
[f. whizz v. + -er1.]
1. Something that whizzes; spec. a. a toy that makes a whizzing noise when whirled round; b. a machine for drying various articles by the centrifugal force of rapid revolution; a hydro-extractor. Cf. spin-drier, -dryer.
| 1881 Tylor in Academy 9 Apr. 265 A toy mechanically curious and called in England a ‘whizzer’ or ‘bull-roarer’. 1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 6 July 14/1 The whizzer..dries clothes in 1,000 revolutions a minute. 188. Sci. Amer. (N.S.) LVIII. 178 (Cent. Dict.) Ritchie's Steam Whizzer.—A machine for treating musty grain. |
2. Something or someone extraordinary or wonderful; a ‘stunner’. slang.
| 1888 E. L. Dorsey Midshipman Bob i. x. 93 ‘Fore⁓top-gallant studdingsail-boom-tricing-line-block strap-thimble.’ Ain't that a whizzer? 1947 ‘N. Blake’ Minute for Murder v. 98, I must say she was a whizzer in those days. 1976 Zigzag Apr. 28/1 ‘She's long’ features Bill's best guitar solo (despite many other whizzers). 1977 ‘J. Gash’ Judas Pair viii. 95 It's a whizzer... I've found a cased set. |
3. A pickpocket. slang.
| 1925 N. Lucas Autobiogr. Crook vii. 108 The stalls of theatres at matinees are sometimes patronized by ‘whizzers’. 1941 V. Davis Phenomena in Crime xiv. 195 There are a score of girl ‘whizzers’ in London who can get a man's pocket wallet..with conjuring skill. 1974 R. Edwards Dixon of Dock Green 17 It was also a right place for ‘whizzers’—pick-pockets. |
4. on a whizzer: on a drinking spree. N. Amer. slang.
| 1910 B. Edwards Best of Bob Edwards (1975) v. 104 He was only off on a little bit of a whizzer. 1936 Univ. Texas Stud. in Eng. XVI. 51 A number of phrases with go refer to the act of ‘getting drunk’: one may go on..a whizzer. |