squib
/skwib/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noise