Etymology Attested since the 1920s. From cow + son
1
London, South, Archaic, Slang An objectionable, contemptible, unfortunate or stubborn person, place or situation (sometimes used ironically or humorously); bastard; git.
Well, I come down in the world…It’s a cowson, ain’t it.1939, James Curtis, What Immortal Hand… - Page 235:
4 more examples
No kiddin’, I used to get on lovely with them, all except one cowson who wouldn’t wash.1946, David Marcus, Terrence Smith, S.J.White, Irish Writing - Volumes 1-6 - Page 62:
You lucky cowson. With a bleeding March coming off tomorrow and all.1947, John Cournos, Best World Short Stories: 1947 - Volume 1 - Page 108:
1979, Chas & Dave, "Gertcha", Don’t Give a Monkey’s (album) https://genius.com/Chas-and-dave-gertcha-lyrics. Gertcha, cowson, gertcha/Gertcha!.(chorus)
That cowson still owes me five quid.
cowson
adj
Etymology Attested since the 1920s. From cow + son
That cowson car refused to start on the tenth attempt.
1 more example
The traffic is a cunt, as every cowson-foreign-bastard doubts his rainstreaked, wiper-smeared view and slows to a useless crawl.1992, Alexander Stuart, Tribes -Page 102: