Oncers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term for individuals who participate in a particular activity only once; denoting items or events that happen just one time; also referencing a type of performance or work not intended for repetition or recurrence
2. Referring to people engaging in an experience for the first and last time; describing occurrences that are singular in nature without follow-ups; relating to a project or performance characterized by its one-time nature only
3. Signifying those who have a one-time involvement in an activity; indicating occurrences that are isolated without sequel; associated with artistic endeavors or events designed to be experienced just once

Etymology: "Oncers" is simply the plural of "oncer," which is built from "once" plus the suffix "-er." The suffix can be relational, marking something connected to a thing, or occupational, marking someone who does a thing, so "oncer" can be read as "something related to once" or "one who does it once." The word's meaning follows that pattern. Something described as an oncer happens or is done only one time, such as a single-run event or a performance never meant to be repeated. Used as a plural, "oncers" refers to such people or things collectively, the ones that appear just once. The word is a transparent formation rather than a historical borrowing, so its interest lies in how readily English speakers can build it from a common adverb. Its first recorded date is not something I can confirm here.

Synonyms: once-timers, first-timers

Antonyms: repeaters, regulars