Meaning of gurrier | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A street urchin.
   dated
2. A loutish young man; a ruffian.

Examples

“Some weeks ago I was a victim of crime within 150 yards of the gates of Leinster House. I was approached or set⟳ upon by a little gurrier with a syringe. It is not a pleasant experience⟳ to have⟳ someone push⟳ a syringe against one's face⟳ at 12.30 a.m. on the streets of Dublin, particularly when one is within a stone's throw⟳ of the seat of Administration.”

“The Garda sergeant wanted to know⟳ the distinction between a Gouger and a Gurrier. Mr. Howard, who was a true-blue Dubliner, supplied the answer⟳: "A Gurrier is a little man cut⟳ short, a mickey dazzler. He cuts a dash among the girls and is always willing and able to strike⟳ a blow⟳ for a pal. But our Gurrier, unlike the Gouger, never gets into trouble⟳ with the police."”

“She said the gentleman in question⟳ was nothing but a gurrier. She went into details over his garb and his accent. He wore a blazer with brass buttons and his trousers were gray flannel. He was the sporting type⟳. His accent she said had to be heard to be believed, likewise his impertinence. She called him a pup. Then she said gurrier. Then she reverted to pup.”

“People from other parts of Ireland refer⟳ to Dubliners as Jackeens or Gurriers. Jackeen in the city always meant a cunning, loudmouthed, ignorant youth: while Gurrier was a term of approbation. In the Thirties and Forties to be a Great Little Gurrier was to be a bosom friend, a fine fellow, a taproom companion: but today it has been debased and is the equivalent of a bowsey or a gouger.”

“The old man told me that James Joyce was nothing but a dirty little pup who had never done a decent day's work⟳ in his life, a dirty little gurrier who had run⟳ Ireland down for money; these were the actual words he used. James Joyce had "run⟳ Ireland down for money," the old man said, "and he had told dirty lies about Irish history."”

“Gentleman Johnny [Johnny Carey], as he was known in England and at home, was clearly no gurrier. A magnificent footballer, he was a man of exceptional character, […]”

CEFR level