Definition

Noun: 1. A small, simple firework: A short tube filled with gunpowder that burns with a hissing or fizzing sound and may end with a small pop. It is often considered a broken or defective firecracker. 2. A short, witty piece of writing: A brief, often satirical or humorous literary piece, such as a lampoon or a short, sharp critique.

Verb (archaic/rare): 1. To write or utter a squib: To compose or deliver a short, satirical attack or critique. 2. To explode weakly or fizzle out: To fail to perform as expected, often ending weakly or anticlimactically.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Firework):
  • The children lit a squib that fizzed and sparked on the pavement.
  • The firecracker was a dud; it went off like a damp squib.
• Noun (Written piece):
  • The political columnist published a clever squib mocking the new policy.
  • His latest book is a collection of humorous squibs on modern life.
• Verb:
  • The critic squibbed the author's latest novel in a scathing paragraph. (archaic)
  • The much-anticipated finale squibbed, leaving the audience disappointed.

Advanced Usage

• "A damp squib" (Idiom, primarily British English): An event or situation that is much less impressive or exciting than expected; a disappointment or failure.
  • After all the hype, the product launch was a damp squib.
  • The investigation promised major revelations but turned out to be a damp squib.

Variants and Related Words

• Squibbed (verb, past tense): Having fizzled out or having written a squib.
• Squibbing (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of fizzling out or writing squibs.

Synonyms

• For the firework: Firecracker, banger (UK), firework.
• For the written piece: Lampoon, satire, parody, skit, jest, witticism.

Related Phrases

• To fizzle like a squib: To end weakly or fail after a promising start.
  • The protest started loudly but fizzled like a squib within an hour.

Noun

1. firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noise