|
Wowser
"Wowser" is an Australian and New Zealand term that refers to a person who seeks to deprive others of behaviour deemed to be immoral or sinful. History The term originated in Australia, at first carrying a similar meaning to "lout" (an annoying or disruptive person, or even a prostitute). Around 1900 it shifted to its present meaning: one whose sense of morality drives them to deprive others of their sinful pleasures, especially liquor. The term was particularly applied to members of temperance groups such as the antipodean branches of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. John Norton, editor of the Australian scandal newspaper, ''Truth'', claimed he first used the word in 1899, a claim supported by the OED. However some authors claim that the present meaning originated from an Australian temperance slogan, "We Only Want Social Evils Remedied." This apparent backronym is considered a "less credible provenance" by the ANU. The Australian writer C. J. Dennis defined it thus: ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
John Norton (journalist)
John Norton (25 January 1857 – 9 April 1916) was an English-born Australian journalist, editor and member of the New South Wales Parliament. He was a writer and newspaper proprietor best known for his Sydney newspaper ''Truth''. Norton was arguably one of Australia's most controversial public figures ever. Life, career and controversy John Norton claimed to have been born in Brighton, Sussex, England, but may have been born in London. He was the only son of John Norton, stonemason, who died before he was born. His mother, Mary Davis, in 1860 married Benjamin Timothy Herring, a silk-weaver, who allegedly mistreated his stepson. Norton apparently spent some time in Paris, where he learned to speak French. He claimed to have walked to Constantinople in 1880, where he became a journalist. Norton emigrated to Australia in 1884 and soon became chief reporter on the '' Evening News'', which supported free trade. In 1885 he edited the official report of the Third Intercolonial Trad ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
