Definition

Noun: 1. A contemptible or annoying person: A slang term, chiefly British, for someone considered unpleasant, troublesome, or socially objectionable. It often implies mild to moderate disapproval rather than extreme hatred. 2. A bounder; a cad: An old-fashioned term for a man who behaves in a way that is considered dishonorable, especially towards women, or who lacks good manners.

Examples

• Noun:
  • "That little perisher broke my window with his football again!" (Expressing annoyance at a troublesome child.)
  • "He stood her up on their date. What a complete perisher." (Describing someone who has behaved badly.)
  • "Don't be such a perisher and help me with this." (A mild reprimand for being uncooperative or annoying.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a slightly humorous or exasperated tone rather than one of serious malice. It can be applied to both children and adults.
• "Poor little perisher": This phrase can sometimes be used with a touch of sympathy, acknowledging someone (often a child) in a difficult or pitiable situation, even if they are being annoying.
  • "The poor little perisher got lost in the supermarket."

Variants and Related Words

• Perish (verb): To die or be destroyed, especially in a violent or untimely way. This is the root verb, but "perisher" as a noun for a person is a distinct, slang derivation.
• Perishing (adjective, informal, chiefly British): Used for emphasis, meaning extremely cold or, more generally, used as a mild intensifier similar to "confounded" or "blooming."
  • "Shut the window, it's perishing in here!" (It is extremely cold.)
  • "Where's that perishing screwdriver gone?" (Where is that confounded screwdriver?)

Synonyms

• Bounders: A dated synonym with a stronger connotation of dishonorable behavior.
• Nuisance: Someone or something causing inconvenience or annoyance.
• Pest: An annoying person.
• Cad (dated): A man who behaves dishonorably, especially towards a woman.
• Rascal: Often used for a mischievous person, especially a child, and can be more affectionate than "perisher."

Related Idioms

• While not a phrasal verb, the exclamation "Perish the thought!" is a common idiom meaning "May such a thing never happen!" or "That is an unthinkable idea!" It is derived from the verb "to perish."
  • "You think I would cheat? Perish the thought!"

Noun

1. bounder