bonzer
(Australia, NZ, informal) Remarkable; wonderful; excellent; terrific.
ˈbɒnzəDocumented since 1890sSilenthistoricalCurrent161 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026＋ Add a definition
Etymology timeline
Born ~1890 · 1 year of recorded use19th centurySee decade cohort →
Definitions
Australia
#1·Apr 27, 2026AUS
(Australia, NZ, informal) Remarkable; wonderful; excellent; terrific.
To see their faces brighten and to hear their 'Thanks Cobber, that was bonzer!' was a joy
Origin: Entered use 1890s, origin . In 2020 James Lambert reviewed previous theories, and supports derivation from: * large marble < something prodigiously large Lambert also notes as not supported by evidence: * bonanza * * "more fanciful" suggestions: ** born star ** ** bonnie. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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Australia
#2·Apr 27, 2026AUS
(Australia, NZ, informal, obsolete) An excellent person or thing.
Heard in the wild
“Bonzer CRBZ0035 Classic R Can Opener, 40cm Length #stainless #vacuum #bonzer #kitchen #crbz0035 #hygiene”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.
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