Pronunciation: [ɡˈaspə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Gasper" is not phonetically straightforward. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Gasper" is /ˈɡæspər/. The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, the "a" is short and pronounced like "cat," the "s" sounds like the "s" in "sit," and the "p" is pronounced as normal. The "e" is silent in "Gasper," and the "r" is pronounced with a rolling sound. Overall, the word "Gasper" is pronounced as "GAS-per."
Gasper is a noun that typically refers to a British slang term for a cigarette. It is primarily used in the United Kingdom, particularly among working-class individuals or those within certain subcultures, such as army personnel or construction workers. The word "Gasper" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the phrase "to gasp," which means to inhale quickly or audibly. This slang term became popular due to the similarity between inhaling the smoke from a cigarette and the act of gasping for air.
While the term "Gasper" is predominantly used to refer to cigarettes, it may also be applied to any other forms of tobacco products or smoking materials. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the term may carry various connotations depending on the context. In some instances, it may be used casually and without any negative connotations, simply to denote a cigarette. However, it is also worth noting that the term can be seen as slightly dated or old-fashioned, as it is less commonly used in contemporary English slang.
In summary, "Gasper" is a colloquial term used in the United Kingdom to refer to a cigarette, derived from the action of inhaling smoke and the accompanying sound of gasping.
The word "Gasper" originated from the English language and is said to have its roots in the Old Norse word "gæsplir" or "gestr", which translates to "guest" or "stranger". Over time, it underwent various alterations before becoming "Gasper". The term "Gasper" is primarily used in British slang to refer to a cigarette or a person who smokes cigarettes avidly.
