View synonyms for squib

squib

[ skwib ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.
Journalism. a short news story, often used as a filler.
a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion.
a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode.
Australian. a coward.
an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, especially a solid-propellant engine.
Obsolete. a mean or paltry fellow.

, squibbed, squib·bing.

, squibbed, squib·bing.

squib

/ skwɪb /

a firework, usually having a tube filled with gunpowder, that burns with a hissing noise and culminates in a small explosion
a firework that does not explode because of a fault; dud
a short witty attack; lampoon
an electric device for firing a rocket engine
obsolete.
an insignificant person
slang.
a coward
damp squib
something intended but failing to impress

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Origin of squib¹

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

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Origin of squib¹

C16: probably imitative of a quick light explosion

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“Active” search nodes depend on noise sources that can be as simple as an explosive squib.

A squib or two enforced edicts; a rocket set a constitution squarely on its feet.

He'll go off like a squib: and then he'll smoulder acridly and sceptically even against his own fire.

Rowlandson has taken the idea and fitted it to the purpose of an electioneering squib.

Such love must come to disaster; it is like a damp squib, it is never properly alight and fades out swiftly in noisy splutters.

I told Arthur to leave out the former squib or paragraph and use only the Californian's Story.

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