six-shooter

/'siks'ʃu:tə/

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Explanation of "six-shooter"

Definition: A "six-shooter" is a type of pistol (a small gun) that has a revolving cylinder. This cylinder usually holds six bullets (or cartridges). When you pull the trigger, the cylinder rotates to line up a bullet with the barrel, allowing you to shoot.

Usage Instructions:

• Noun: "six-shooter" is used as a noun, meaning it is the name of a specific type of gun.
• You can use it in sentences to describe a type of weapon or when talking about the history of guns, especially in Western movies or stories.

Example Sentence:

• "In many old Western films, cowboys often carried a six-shooter on their hip."

Advanced Usage:

• Context: The term "six-shooter" is often associated with the American Old West, where cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen used these guns. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is quick to react or shoot down ideas in a conversation.

Word Variants:

• "Revolver": This is a more general term for a gun that has a revolving cylinder. A six-shooter is a specific type of revolver.
• "Pistol": This is another general term that refers to a type of handgun but does not specify the revolving mechanism.

Different Meanings:

• The term "six-shooter" primarily refers to the firearm. It doesn’t have many different meanings outside of this context. However, in a figurative sense, someone might refer to a "six-shooter" in a conversation about being decisive or taking action quickly.

Synonyms:

• Revolver (general term for a gun with a revolving cylinder)
• Handgun (a broader term for any gun that can be held in one hand)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "six-shooter," but you might encounter phrases like:
  • "Shoot from the hip": This means to speak or act quickly without thinking carefully, similar to how a cowboy might quickly draw and fire a six-shooter.

Summary:

A "six-shooter" is a specific type of revolver that holds six bullets and is often associated with the Old West.

Academic

Noun

1. a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

Synonyms

• revolver
• six-gun