something that rips or tears; Australian slang for something excellent
From rip + -er suffix; Australian slang usage developed in 20th century
Australians turned 'ripper' from something destructive into their highest praise - 'that's a ripper!' means it's absolutely fantastic!
'Jack the Ripper' murders (1888) targeted women sex workers; the term sensationalized violence and created mythos around male predatory violence. Female victims reduced to notoriety of male killer.
When discussing serial violence, center victim agency and humanity rather than killer mystique. Use precise terminology over sensational nicknames.
["killer","perpetrator"]
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