patzer

See also: Patzer

English

Alternative forms

• potzer

Etymology

Uncertain, but probably from German Patzer (“bungler”), from patzen.

Pronunciation

• enPR: păʹtsər, päʹtsər, IPA^(key): /ˈpætsər/, /ˈpɑtsər/

Noun

patzer (plural patzers)

1. (chess, informal, derogatory) Synonym of woodpusher: a bad player.
   • 2004 September 5, Nigel Short, The Sunday Telegraph:

     If you have learned the principle that it is inadvisable to move the same piece twice in the opening you would probably imagine that these guys are patzers.