ripper

Etymology 1

rip + -er; originated 1605–15.

noun

1. Something that rips something else.
2. Someone who rips something.
3. A legislative bill or act that transfers powers of appointment from the usual holders to a chief executive or a board of officials.
4. A murderer who kills and often mutilates victims with a blade or similar sharp weapon.
   Jack the Ripper
5. (mining) A hook-like tool used to tear away ore, rock, etc.
6. (mining) A person employed to tear away ore, rock, etc. to make a passage for material to be carried to the surface.
7. (Britain, Australia, slang) Something that is an excellent example of its kind.
   He [Rafael Nadal] didn't convert that but gained the advantage and launched another ripper of a forehand to force the error from Tsitsipas on the volley. (Thurston, E. November 15, 2019, Rafael Nadal digs deep to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas at ATP Finals. Sky UK https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/11862011/rafael-nadal-digs-deep-to-beat-stefanos-tsitsipas-at-atp-finals accessed August 29, 2020)
   Martin walked around the vehicle, viewing it from all angles and giggling as he did so. “She's a ripper, Bert, a real ripper!” 2001, Filton Hebbard, Memories of Kalgoorlie: Tales from the Australian Outback, page 334
   Really, the Strauss Ball was in a category of its own, which is why we are making such a fuss about it; an absolute ripper of a ball whatever the hell it should be called in technical terms. 2018, Gary Cox, Cricket Ball, page 242
8. (computing) Software that extracts content from files or storage media.
9. (agriculture) A tool or plant used to reduce soil compaction.
10. (US, New Jersey, slang) A hot dog deep-fried in oil until the casing bursts.
11. A foghorn.

adj

1. (Britain, Australia, slang) Very good; excellent; fantastic.
   2019 Kobe Howard, Coaches Wrap Brisbane Lions, 30 April 2019. Accessed 6 May 2019. Not only did Lachie Neale have another stand out game with 28 disposals and a ripper goal from outside 50, but Lions debutant Noah Answerth slotted in nicely picking up 5 intercept marks.

Etymology 2

Compare rip (“a basket”), or riparian (“relating to a river bank”).

noun

1. (obsolete) One who brings fish from the seacoast to markets in inland towns.