squib

[ skwib ]

noun

1. a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.
2. Journalism. a short news story, often used as a filler.
3. a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion.
4. a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode.
5. Australian. a coward.
6. an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, especially a solid-propellant engine.
7. Obsolete. a mean or paltry fellow.

verb (used without object)

, squibbed, squib·bing.

1. to write squibs.
2. to shoot a squib.
3. to explode with a small, sharp sound.
4. to move swiftly and irregularly.
5. Australian.
   1. to be afraid.
   2. to flee; escape.

verb (used with object)

, squibbed, squib·bing.

1. to assail in squibs or lampoons.
2. to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib.

squib

/ skwɪb /

noun

1. a firework, usually having a tube filled with gunpowder, that burns with a hissing noise and culminates in a small explosion
2. a firework that does not explode because of a fault; dud
3. a short witty attack; lampoon
4. an electric device for firing a rocket engine
5. obsolete.
   an insignificant person
6. slang.
   a coward
7. damp squib
   something intended but failing to impress

verb

1. intr to sound, move, or explode like a squib
2. intr to let off or shoot a squib
3. to write a squib against (someone)
4. intr to move in a quick irregular fashion
5. slang.
   intr to behave in a cowardly fashion

Other Words From

• squibbish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squib¹

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of squib¹

C16: probably imitative of a quick light explosion

Example Sentences

Kicking under the new format feels more like “shanking” a kickoff than doing a squib kick, as Dicker put it.

From Los Angeles Times

Plaid Cymru previously called the report a "damp squib".

From BBC

But as the nerves grew and the visitors became bolder, what should have been Villa's big night turned into a damp squib.

From BBC

But earlier this month, MPs on the Treasury Committee branded these measures - dubbed the Edinburgh Reforms - "a damp squib".

From BBC

Watching “The Challenge” contenders pretend to dramatically expire for the cameras when ink squibs explode on their chests dilutes the tragedy in that.

From Salon

Related Words

• caricature
• mock
• parody
• satirize