Wowser

:For the fictional dog known as Wowser, see Cubitus

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Wowser is a slang expression, most commonly heard in Australian and New Zealand English. It originated in Australia, at first carrying a similar meaning to 'lout', i.e. an annoying or disruptive person. However, around the beginning of the 19th century it shifted to its present meaning: one whose overdeveloped sense of morality drives them to deprive others of their pleasures. At this time, the term was particularly applied to members of temperance groups such as the antipodean branches of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

Related Topics:
Slang - Australian - New Zealand English - Temperance - Woman's Christian Temperance Union

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The Australian writer C.J. Dennis defined it thus: 'Wowser: an ineffably pious person who mistakes this world for a penitentiary and himself for a warder'.

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Its popularity in Australian and New Zealand usage may be related to a strong "live and let live" ethos in both those countries: as a generalisation, while Australians and New Zealanders are quite tolerant of others' beliefs and lifestyles, they expect to receive the same tolerance in return.

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In recent years, the term has been most often applied to morality-oriented politicians Fred and Elaine Nile and Brian Harradine.

Related Topics:
Fred and Elaine Nile - Brian Harradine

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