what means 'geezer'

[mr_Sthow]

i agree, it's more like brummie, but i try to understand that... and can't... what do they mean sayin' that?

[aNonnyMoose]

It's an English slang word, not Scots. It just means a person, but with dodgy undertones - someone who will bend the law, and may not be entirely trustworthy. I think it's Cockney in origin.

[pearlms]

In the USA an old geezer is a nice old man, nothing derogatory.

[Muckle_Cross]

Originally posted by aNonnyMoose
It's an English slang word, not Scots. It just means a person, but with dodgy undertones - someone who will bend the law, and may not be entirely trustworthy. I think it's Cockney in origin.

I found this definition in a dictionary.

Pronunciation: 'gE-z&r
Function: noun
Etymology: probably alteration of Scots guiser (one in disguise)
: a queer, odd, or eccentric person -- used especially of elderly men

[aNonnyMoose]

That's interesting, Muckle. I've never heard a Scots person use it, the only times I've heard it used has been by English people, especially Londoners - that's why I assumed it originated there.

You live and learn!

[Celyn]

And here I come with an urelated sort of grumble. Re. "guising", it annoys me that the word, like many Scottish words, seems to be a bit of a mystery even to some Scottsih kids nowadays.

That is, once, encountering a couple of wee boys in Hallowe'en fancy dress as I left my flat, I said oh, are you going out guising, boys?" One lad just looked at me blankly, then his mate kindly translated it into "trick or treating" for him. Grrrrrr!

[Polwarth]

Celyn
Jist dinnae get me startit oan 'TorT' fur guisin....