Squib: meaning, definitions and examples
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squib
[ skwɪb ]
literary device
A squib is a short piece of writing, often witty or satirical, that typically appears in a newspaper or magazine. It may be a brief news item, a short story, or a parody. Squibs are generally concise, aiming to engage the reader quickly with humor or insight. They often comment on current events or cultural phenomena in a light-hearted manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The magazine featured a squib about the latest celebrity gossip.
- He wrote a clever squib that critiqued the political situation.
- Her squib on the recent film made everyone laugh at the screening.
firework
In the context of pyrotechnics, a squib refers to a small explosive device used to create a controlled effect in film or theater productions. It typically detonates with a flash and sound, simulating the effect of a gunshot or explosion. Squibs are used to enhance the realism of action scenes and are often hidden from view to achieve a believable effect.
Synonyms
explosive, firecracker, pyrotechnic device.
Examples of usage
- The director decided to use a squib for the action sequence.
- They set off a squib to make the shootout scene more dramatic.
- The use of squibs added authenticity to the special effects.
Translations
Translations of the word "squib" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pílula
- explosão pequena
- artigo curto
🇮🇳 छोटा विस्फोट
- लेख
- टुकड़ा
🇩🇪 Knall
- kurze Geschichte
- Artikel
🇮🇩 ledakan kecil
- artikel pendek
- cerita pendek
🇺🇦 вибух
- коротка стаття
- невеликий твір
🇵🇱 petarda
- krótki artykuł
- krótkie opowiadanie
🇯🇵 火薬
- 短い記事
- 短編
🇫🇷 petard
- article court
- court récit
🇪🇸 petardo
- artículo corto
- cuento corto
🇹🇷 patlayıcı
- kısa makale
- kısa hikaye
🇰🇷 폭죽
- 짧은 기사
- 단편
🇸🇦 مفرقعات
- مقال قصير
- قصة قصيرة
🇨🇿 petarda
- krátký článek
- krátký příběh
🇸🇰 petráda
- krátky článok
- krátky príbeh
🇨🇳 火药
- 短文
- 短篇
🇸🇮 petarda
- kratek članek
- kratka zgodba
🇮🇸 sprengja
- stutt grein
- stutt saga
🇰🇿 піротехник
- қысқа мақала
- қысқа әңгіме
🇬🇪 ფეთქება
- მოკლე სტატია
- მოკლე მოთხრობა
🇦🇿 partlayıcı
- qısa məqalə
- qısa hekayə
🇲🇽 petardo
- artículo corto
- cuento corto
Etymology
The word 'squib' has a rich etymological background dating back to the early 15th century. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'squibe,' referring to a small firework or explosive. The term is thought to have derived from the Old Norse 'skveif,' which means to jerk or twist, possibly alluding to the way a squib behaves when it ignites. Over time, its usage expanded beyond pyrotechnics to include brief written pieces that embody a humorous or satirical tone. By the 19th century, 'squib' had firmly established itself in both literary and theatrical contexts, capturing the essence of brevity and wit in writing.