A broken down masher

[Sam Flynn]

That's a fair point but I still think that, given the theme of Casebook, it's an interesting definition, however recent it may be.

Oh, undoubtedly, Bridewell. Oddities like that always intrigue me.

[c.d.]

In America, I think the meaning is more along the lines of a man who makes unwanted passes at women although I think the term is outdated now.

c.d.

[Pcdunn]

Correct, c.d. I recall that from the comedy show "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In", back in the late 60's and early 70's.

When the Old Man character played by Arte Johnson would lean over and whisper suggestively to Ruth Buzzi's Old Woman character, she'd whop him with her handbag and shout "Masher!"

That was an old term then, I think.

[c.d.]

Hello Pat,

Yeah I seem to recall it always being used in some comedic setting.

c.d.

[MrBarnett]

I’d always thought of mashers as being ‘stage door Johnnies’ - fans of female performing artists who lived in hope of experiencing a private performance . The term could be extended to cover any hopeful/predatory male whose attentions were unwarranted.