Welsher Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðļ
welsher
[ËwÉlĘÉr ]
Definition
slang usage
A 'welsher' refers to a person who fails to honor their debts or commitments, particularly in gambling situations. This term is considered derogatory and is often used in informal settings.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He promised to pay me back, but now he's acting like a welsher.
- Don't trust him with money; he's known as a welsher among his friends.
- After losing the bet, he turned into a real welsher and refused to pay up.
Translations
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Origin of 'welsher'
The term 'welsher' emerged in British slang in the early 20th century, deriving from the word 'Welsh', which was, in some contexts, used pejoratively to describe certain people associated with dishonesty, particularly in gambling. The stereotype that some Welshmen were unscrupulous created an association that transformed into the term 'welsher'. While its origins are rooted in cultural prejudices, its general use has broadened over time, applying to anyone who fails to meet their obligations. Though the use of the term has diminished in favor of more universally applicable terms like 'deadbeat', it remains in certain colloquial contexts, highlighting the complex interplay between language and cultural stereotypes.