Pronunciation: [ɡˈa͡ɪzə] (IPA) 
The word "guiser" refers to someone who dresses up in costume for entertainment or a festive occasion. The spelling of this word is somewhat unusual, with the "gui" representing a "gwee" sound, similar to the French word "guide." The "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound, and the final "er" is said as a schwa sound, like the second syllable in the word "cooker." So the IPA phonetic transcription for "guiser" is /ˈɡwiːzər/.
A guiser is a noun that refers to a person participating in a traditional folk custom known as guising or mumming. The term originated from the Scottish and Northern English dialects but is used more broadly nowadays. The act of guising usually takes place during festive occasions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas and involves individuals dressing up in disguises or costumes and going from house to house.
In these traditions, guisers often wear elaborate masks, makeup, or costumes, concealing their true identities. They may also carry props or accessories related to their character portrayal. Guisers typically go door to door, performing a short skit, song, or a brief act in exchange for gifts, especially sweets or money, known as "guising rewards" or "guisers' fees." The performances can range from telling jokes or singing traditional songs to enacting small plays or dances.
Guisers have deep historical roots and are believed to have evolved from ancient customs associated with symbolic rituals, warding off evil spirits, or the celebration of the changing seasons. Over time, the practice has become a popular form of entertainment during festive periods, with performances reflecting local customs, folklore, or popular culture.
The term "guiser" can also describe someone who engages in theatrical or dramatic roles, such as actors involved in traditional mummer's plays or individuals who participate in costume parties or masquerades. It encompasses the notion of dressing up in various disguises with the aim of entertaining others or assuming different personas.
The word "guiser" originated from Northern England and Scotland and is mainly associated with the festivals of Halloween and Christmas. Its etymology is believed to be derived from the Middle English word "gysar" or "gyser", which referred to a person dressed in disguise. This, in turn, is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "gesir", meaning "to travel or go about" or "to disguise or change appearance". Over time, the term "guiser" came to specifically refer to individuals who dressed up in costumes and masks and went from house to house, performing plays or songs in exchange for food or money during these celebrations.
