ball-buster
English
Alternative forms
- ballbuster
Etymology
Unknown. Surface analysisball + buster.
Unlikely derived from or akin to English baleboste (“mistress, lady of the house”), in which case the synonyms may be secondary derivations. [1] While the original significance of the first element remains unclear as a case of folk etymology, see also Beelzebub for connotations of the same supposed first element; bale for a similar word. Any deverbal formation conflated with back-breaking may have informed the native development. (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Noun
ball-buster (plural ball-busters)
- (US, vulgar) Ball-breaker.
References
- Jewish Language Review, Issue 7. Israel: Association for the Study of Jewish Languages, 1987.
Anagrams
- bullet bras