Green’s Dictionary of Slang

to be dismissed from a job.

1938

J. Curtis They Drive by Night 186: Got the gooner? That ain’t no good to you.

1. to dismiss someone from a job.

1936

J. Curtis Gilt Kid 51: She slung him out, giving him the gooner proper.

2. to jilt, to terminate a relationship.

1937		J. Curtis You’re in the Racket, Too 62: Serve you right if I was to turn the whole bleeding thing in, give you the gooner for good and all and let you stay on the bash for the rest of your natural bloody life.
1950		P. Hoskins No Hiding Place! 190/2: Give him the Gooner. Give him the cold shoulder.