squib
pronunciation
How to pronounce squib in British English:
UK [skwɪb]
How to pronounce squib in American English:
US [skwɪb]
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- Noun:
- firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noise
Word Origin
- squib (n.)
- 1520s, "short bit of sarcastic writing, witty scoff," of unknown origin. If the meaning "small firework that burns with a hissing noise" (also 1520s) is the original one, the word might be imitative.
Example
- 1. North korea 's nuclear test was a damp squib in market terms .
- 2. Trivia : apparently neville 's family were worried that he was a " squib " ( a non-magical member of a wizarding family ) but were proved wrong when his uncle dropped him out a window and he miraculously bounced .
- 3. After months of protests during which over 1400 civilians as well as several hundred soldiers and police have been killed , with whole towns fleeing across the turkish border and international condemnation raining down on his regime , bashar assad 's speech on monday june 20th was a damp squib .