Wow. "Hoser" made the BBC...
*basks in the glory*
Anyhow... yes, Howard, the origins of 'hoser' rest with Bob and Doug Mackensie, and their terrible 'cable show', The Great White North. The predecessor of Wayne's World, really. But with less heavy metal. More beer. And the theme song... oh, how it haunts me!
From my youth, I remember 'hoser' being initially derogatory, as it was intended. But I don't think it was ever as vicious as "idiot" as the BBC site suggests. More along the lines of "slacker" or "jerk"... at least, that was how I used it.
As the years passed, and Bob and Doug moved on into comedy history, nostalgia has now infused this term with more affection for a time gone by... Yeah, whatever! LOL Sorry - it's true, though. You can mark out an entire generation with the single word, "Hoser!" Still derogatory, but in an affectionate punch-on-the-shoulder kind of way.
Caitlinn - you're right about that too. I'm pretty certain it was a direct link - in fact, I think the Duo themselves used it often too.
Peedal - you're a star to have found that website! I've sent the link to all my Canadian friends! Cheers matey!
Morgana
