Definition

1. Noun:
   • Someone who throws lightly (as with the palm upward): A person who makes a light, underhand throw.
   • Terms of abuse for a masturbator: (Vulgar slang, chiefly British) A term of contempt or insult for a person, implying foolishness or worthlessness. Its origin is related to the act of masturbation.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal thrower):

  • In the backyard game, he was the best tosser of the beanbag.
  • The coin tosser made sure the flip was fair.

• Noun (vulgar slang, insult):

  • He called the rude driver a complete tosser. (Note: This usage is offensive.)
  • Don't be such a tosser and help us out.

Advanced Usage

• The slang term is primarily used in British and Commonwealth English. Its offensive strength is similar to, but often considered milder than, other vulgar insults. It is almost exclusively used to refer to males.
• It can sometimes convey a sense of someone being not just contemptible but also pretentious or annoying.

Variants and Related Words

• Toss (verb): To throw something lightly or casually.
  • She decided to toss the ball to her friend.
• Toss-up (noun): An even choice or chance.
  • It's a toss-up between the blue shirt and the red one.

Synonyms

• Thrower: One who throws (neutral synonym for the literal sense).
• Jerk: (Informal, chiefly North American) A contemptible person.
• Prat: (Informal, chiefly British) A stupid or foolish person.
• Wanker: (Vulgar slang, chiefly British) A very close and more direct synonym in the insulting sense.

Phrasal Verbs Related to 'Toss'

• Toss aside: To discard or reject casually.
  • He read the letter and tossed it aside.
• Toss out: 1. To throw away. 2. To eject someone.
  • We need to toss out these old magazines.
  • The bouncer tossed out the troublemaker.
• Toss up: 1. To throw a coin into the air to make a decision. 2. To prepare food lightly.
  • Let's toss up to decide who goes first.
  • Toss up the salad with the dressing.

Related Idioms

• Argue the toss: (British) To dispute a decision or point unnecessarily.
  • The decision is made, so there's no point arguing the toss.
• Not give a toss: (British, vulgar slang) To not care at all.
  • I don't give a toss what they think.

Noun

1. someone who throws lightly (as with the palm upward)
2. terms of abuse for a masturbator