Come a gutzer: To crash or fall badly. Originally and Air Force term with reference to an aeroplane. Also used generally. To get into serious trouble, e.g., "He's before a court martial and looks like coming a gutzer." Gutzer is pre-war slang, and an old term among Cottish boys for falling flat on the water in diving, instead of making a clean header.[1]

References / notes

  1. Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.113.

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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