ampster Austral. slang.
(ˈæmpstə(r))
Also amster.
[Perh. abbrev. of Amsterdam, rhyming slang for ‘ram’ = a trickster's accomplice, with intrusive p.]
The helper of a showman or trickster, ‘planted’ in the audience to start the buying of tickets, goods, etc. Hence as v. intr., to act as an ampster.
| 1941 K. Tennant Battlers xiii. 143 Mr. Fosdick was agreeable, provided the busker would ‘ampster’ for him. Ibid. 144 The ampster rushes eagerly up to the ticket-window. 1945 Baker Austral. Lang. vii. 138 Terms for various sharpers, tricksters and others who live by their wits: spieler,..amster (or ampster), [etc.]. 1955 Overland (Melbourne) iv. 10 Holdens rub hubs with old four-wheelers; So do the amsters and their shielas. 1957 D. Niland Call me when Cross turns Over (1958) iv. 101 Barbie, playing ampster, went up and bought a bottle... Others followed to buy. 1967 Parade (Austral.) Oct. 8/3 Niland roamed Australia working in jobs that ranged from circus hand to ampster and gee-man in travelling boxing shows. 1975 H. Porter Extra 244 A shady Soho club patronised by dips, amsters, off-duty prostitutes. |