masher
/'mæʃə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A kitchen utensil for mashing: A tool, typically with a handle and a perforated or ridged end, used to crush soft food (like potatoes) into a smooth, pulpy mass.
- A man who makes aggressive amorous advances: (Informal, dated) A man who behaves in a forward, often unwelcome, manner when trying to attract or impress women, especially in public.
Usage Examples
Noun (Kitchen Utensil):
- Use a masher to make the avocado perfectly smooth for the guacamole.
- She used a potato masher to prepare the side dish for dinner.
Noun (Aggressive Man):
- In old films, the masher was often portrayed as a nuisance on the street.
- She complained to her friends about the masher who wouldn't leave her alone at the bar.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The term "masher" for a man was particularly common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with a dandyish or flashy style.
- The Victorian-era masher was known for his fashionable clothes and bold behavior.
Variants and Related Words
- Mash (verb): To crush or smash something into a soft, pulpy state.
- Mash the bananas before adding them to the batter.
- Potato Masher (noun phrase): A specific type of masher designed for potatoes.
- A good potato masher is essential for creamy mashed potatoes.
Synonyms
- For the utensil: Crusher, press.
- For the man: (Dated) Lothario, lady-killer, cad, wolf, flirt.
Related Idioms
- None directly using "masher": The word itself is quite specific and is not commonly found in modern idioms. The dated slang meaning might appear in historical or literary contexts describing such behavior.
Noun
- a kitchen utensil used for mashing (e.g. potatoes)
- a man who is aggressive in making amorous advances to women