súng kíp
Definition
- Noun:
- A matchlock gun: A type of early firearm, typically from the 15th to 17th centuries, which uses a slow-burning match cord to ignite the gunpowder and fire the weapon. This is the historical and most accurate English equivalent.
- An antique muzzle-loading gun: A more general descriptive term focusing on its loading mechanism (from the muzzle, or front end) and its age. It is a generic term for old, non-breech-loading firearms.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Bảo tàng trưng bày một khẩu súng kíp từ thế kỷ 17. (The museum displays a matchlock gun from the 17th century.)
- Ông tôi còn giữ một cây súng kíp của cụ cố. (My grandfather still keeps an antique muzzle-loading gun from my great-grandfather.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "súng kíp" is primarily used in historical, museum, or antiquarian contexts. It is not used for modern firearms.
- It can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something very old-fashioned or obsolete.
- Ý tưởng của anh ta cũ kỹ như một khẩu súng kíp. (His ideas are as old-fashioned as a matchlock gun.)
Variants and Related Words
- Súng hỏa mai: Another historical Vietnamese term for early firearms, often used interchangeably with "súng kíp" but can sometimes refer specifically to flintlock mechanisms.
- Súng trường (n): Rifle. A modern, breech-loading long gun.
- Súng ngắn (n): Pistol. A short-barreled firearm.
Synonyms
- Matchlock: The specific technical term.
- Arquebus: An early type of portable gun, often a precursor to the musket; a close historical synonym.
- Muzzle-loader: A general term for any gun loaded from the front opening (muzzle).
Related Idioms
- Cổ như súng kíp: (As old as a matchlock gun) An idiom meaning something is very antiquated or out-of-date.
- Chiếc máy tính đó cổ như súng kíp rồi. (That computer is as old as a matchlock gun.)