Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US) unpleasant news.

1942		Berrey & Van den Bark Amer. Thes. Sl.
1964		Magilla Gorilla Show [synd. TV series] How’s that for a cheerful earful? [HDAS].
1982		oral testimony in Lighter HDAS I.
2001		Earth Ascending ‘Prospero’s Tape Log’ 🌐 The reason for the decrease in their numbers was simply accounted for. ‘Whack-offs, Prospy, Whack-offs!’ That’s the cheerful earful that beauteous Clearfall gave me on this matter.