Brit Speak - 'Wotcher Harry...'?

[Tim Regan]

Hi All,

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter Steve wrote:
> What the heck does 'Wotcher' mean?

Sadly I won't have access to the Oxford English Dictionary online 
once I've left this job, so let's make the most of it now:

 Colloq. corruption of `what cheer?' (CHEER n. 3b), a familiar 
greeting. 
 
  1894 A. CHEVALIER Humorous Songs 4 `Wot cher!' all the neighbours 
cried, `Who're yer goin' to meet, Bill?' 1899 North-China Herald 13 
Nov. 962/3 (Advt.), `Wot Cher, Mate?' may be a rough form of 
salutation. 1928 Granta 2 Nov. 71 (caption) Wotcher! 1954 J. MASTERS 
Bhowani Junction xxxii. 279 Howland waved violently to Victoria..and 
shouted, `Wotcher, Vicky!' 1977 `J. GASH' Judas Pair iii. 
38 `Watcha, Lovejoy.' `Come in, Tinker.' 1980 `J. GASH' Spend Game 
xvi. 162 `Hello, Lovejoy.' `Wotcher, love.'

Cheers,

Dumbledad.