spitdevil

A child lights a spitdevil on the sidewalk.

Definition

Noun: - A type of firework: "spitdevil" refers to a firework that burns with a spitting or crackling effect, often used for display or entertainment. It is also known as a "spitfire" in some contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The children were excited to light the spitdevil on New Year's Eve. (A firework that produces a spitting noise and sparks.)
  • He bought a pack of spitdevils for the celebration. (Multiple firework units of this type.)

Advanced Usage

• "to set off a spitdevil": to ignite or activate the firework.
  • They set off a spitdevil in the backyard, and it crackled loudly before fizzling out. (They lit the firework, which made a spitting sound.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spitfire (n): a synonym for "spitdevil," referring to the same type of firework.
  • The spitfire produced bright sparks as it burned. (The firework emitted sparks.)
• Spit (v): to eject or emit something forcefully, often used to describe the firework's action.
  • The firework began to spit sparks in all directions. (It emitted sparks rapidly.)

Synonyms

• Firecracker: a small explosive firework that makes a loud bang.
• Sparkler: a hand-held firework that emits bright sparks.

Related Idioms

• Spit and polish: a phrase meaning meticulous cleaning or preparation, unrelated to the firework but sharing "spit."
  • The soldiers gave their boots a spit and polish for the parade. (They cleaned them thoroughly.)

Notes

• The word "spitdevil" is rare and primarily historical or dialectal; it is often replaced by "spitfire" in modern usage.
• It is a compound of "spit" (to eject) and "devil" (suggesting a mischievous or fiery nature).