beezer

beezer · noun¹

1. Spanish · derived fromcabeza“head”
2. English todaybeezer

Unknown, perhaps from Spanish cabeza (“head”), though the meaning “head” appears to somewhat postdate “nose” in English. First attested in 1908, originally apparently as American boxing slang. Various sources have suggested a borrowing, perhaps by American sailors or marines, from Mandarin 鼻子 (“nose”). While the Mandarin may have reinforced an existing term, an ultimate derivation from Mandarin is improbable given the context and time frame of early use.

beezer · noun, adjective²

1. Scots · borrowed frombeezer
2. English todaybeezer

Borrowed from Scots beezer, beeser, of unknown origin. First attested in the 1910s. The adjective is from the noun.

Words from the same roots