squibn.
/skwɪb/, U.S. /skwɪb/ 1. † c. In figurative allusions to the display of such fireworks on a rope or line. Obsolete.
a. A common species of firework, in which the burning of the composition is usually terminated by a slight explosion.‘Squibs are straight cylindrical cases about 6 inches long, firmly closed at one end, tightly packed with a strong composition, and capped with touch-paper’ ( Encycl. Brit. (1886) XX. 136).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > firework > [noun] > cracker or squib
squib1534
crackera1592
breaker1630
serpent1634
fizgig1647
firecracker1650
petard1668
reporter1688
riprap1709
swarmer1740
mine1769
India cracker1780
throwdown1877
whizz-bang1881
flip-flap1885
snake1891
thunderflash1943
banger1959
1534 J. Heywood Play of Loue sig. Divv (Stage-dir.) Here the vyse cometh in..with a hye copyn tank on his hed full of squybs fyred.
1552 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 67 One hollowe clubb to burne squibbes in.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. xii. 31 Our men made them a great feast, with much pastime also of Squibs, Gunne shot, and great and lowde cryes.
1623 J. Mede Let. 11 Oct. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 160 Every College had a speech and one dish more at supper, and bonefires and squibbes in their Courts.
1673 R. Boyle Of Great Efficacy v. 28 in Ess. Effluviums The irregular and wrigling motion of those fired Squibs that Boys are wont to make by ramming Gunpowder into Quills.
1721 N. Amhurst Terræ-filius (1726) I. xxii. 124 Several squibs were thrown in at the window, which burnt some of their cloaths.
1775 Ann. Reg. 1774 151 Several people amused themselves with throwing squibs about the gates of the palace.
1808 Beverley Lighting Act 18 Crackers, squibs, serpents, rockets, or other fireworks.
1873 E. Spon Workshop Receipts 1st Ser. 139/1 For squibs, before filling the case, ram in hard a thimbleful of coarse gun-powder.
b. In figurative context. (Cf. sense 3.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > [noun] > squib
squibc1525
squib1599
1599 Master Broughtons Lett. Answered Concl. 47 Your bookes [are] but squibs, compounds of gunpowder and pisse.
1623 H. Hexham Tongue-combat 50 [It] sets all Christendome in combustion, with a Romish squib of reseruation.
1644 F. Quarles Whipper Whipt in Wks. (1880) I. 164/1 If he cast no squibs in a Princes face,..they say he hath no holy Fire in him.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. xxix. 280 I could then throw my little squibs about me at pleasure; and not fear..the singeing of my own cloaths!
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker II. 175 He..even threw such squibs at the immortality of the soul, as singed a little the whiskers of Mrs. Tabitha's faith.
1861 Sat. Rev. 30 Nov. 554 A talker of the highest order ought not to encourage the expectation of squibs and crackers as often as he opens his mouth.
1882 A. W. Ward Dickens iii. 68 In 1841 he had thrown a few squibs in the Examiner at Sir Robert Peel and the Tories.
ΚΠ
1647 J. Cleveland Char. London Diurnall (1653) 81 But the Squib is run to the end of the Rope.
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia in Poems (1878) III. To Rdr. 129 Some Squibbs prepareing are, the Ropes are laid To entertaine the Gapers.
1680 J. Dryden Kind Keeper v. i. 62 Well, the Squib's run to the end of the Line, and now for the Cracker.
d. figurative or in figurative contexts. damp squib, something that fails ignominiously to satisfy the expectations aroused by it; an anti-climax, a disappointment.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > [noun] > one who or that which is unsuccessful > that which is a failure
fizzle1846
fiasco1855
frost1874
blue duck1889
wash-out1902
blowout1925
turkey1927
flopperoo1936
stiff1937
muck-up1942
bomb1954
fizzer1957
lead balloon1960
damp squib1963
bummer1967
downer1976
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > [noun] > that which disappoints
apple of Sodom1635
disappointment1843
suck-in1856
anticlimax1858
sell1890
lemon1909
damp squib1963
1846 A. Smith Christopher Tadpole (1848) i. 20 The literary gentleman having finished, like a damp squib with a good bang, resumed his seat.
1963 Times 6 Mar. 11/3 Possibly because too much was expected of it, the long-range study of Britain's transport needs by a Ministry of Transport group under Sir Robert Hall is something of a damp squib.
1976 Yorkshire Evening Press 9 Dec. 8/5 I came here thinking this Scarborough business would cause fireworks, but I have never known such a damp squib.
2. † a. An explosive device used as a missile or means of attack. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > explosive device > [noun] > other explosive devices
squib1590
Volta's pistol1779
water worm1809
satchel charge1943
thunderflash1943
Willie Peter1963
Willie Pete1972
suicide belt1974
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall sig. B4 Not to cast them like squibs & wild fire within your owne hatches.
1591 W. Raleigh Rep. Fight Iles of Açores sig. A3v Their Nauy.., consisting of 240. saile of ships,..were..driuen with squibs from their anchors.
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Petardo, a squib or petard of gun powder vsed to burst vp gates or doores with.
1612 B. Jonson Alchemist iv. iii. sig. I3 He speakes, out of a Fortification. 'Pray God, He ha' no squibs in those deepe sets. View more context for this quotation
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 3 The Admiral coming to an Anchor, fir'd several Squibs from his Main-Top-Mast.
b. slang. A gun.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > small-arm > [noun]
handgun1411
piece1575
small arms1685
popper1751
shooting-iron1775
pelter1827
squib1839
shooter1840
shooting-stick1845
Betsy1856
smoke-wagon1891
rod1903
gat1904
belt gun1905
roscoe1914
smoke-stick1927
heat1928
heater1929
smoke-pole1929
John Roscoe1932
1839 G. W. M. Reynolds Pickwick Abroad xxvi A double-tongued [= double-barrelled] squib to keep in awe The chaps that flout at me.
c. Mining. (See quots.)
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > mining equipment > [noun] > fuses, etc., used in blasting
smift1839
snoff1860
straw1860
strum1880
squib1881
1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 179 Squib, a slow-match or safety-fuse, used with a barrel.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining 234 Squib, a straw, rush, paper, or quill tube filled with a priming of gunpowder,..and ignited by means of a smift.
3. A smart gird or hit; a sharp scoff or sarcasm; a short composition of a satirical and witty character; a lampoon.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > a written composition > [noun] > lampoon or satire
bill1426
satire1509
squibc1525
pasquil1542
pasquinata1592
cockalane1596
pasquinado1600
Pasquin1611
lampoon1645
pasquinade1658
banter1695
jeu d'esprit1712
Dunciad1728
squiblet1820
squibling1884
satirette1894
spoof1958
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > [noun] > squib
squibc1525
squib1599
c1525 in W. J. Thoms Anecd. & Trad. (Camden) 15 Purposing to put a grave slye squibbe upon him, ‘Sir,’ sayes he, ‘this does not well’.
1593 T. Nashe Strange Newes in Wks. (Grosart) II. 277 Thou must haue one squibbe more at the Deuils Orator,..or thy penne is not in cleane life.
1607 S. Hieron Def. Ministers Reasons 224 Observe..his squibb at M. B. for saying Austin not S. Austin.
1654 R. Vilvain Theoremata Theologica iii. 87 'Tis a silly Sophisters squib to say, Bishops are caled Elders, and contrarily.
1739 A. Pope Corr. 4 Jan. (1956) IV. 216 I see by certain Squibs in the Miscellanies, that [etc.].
1775 Bindley in J. Granger Lett. (1805) 387 The little squib you sent me I thank you for; I think it lively enough.
1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby I. i. ii. 24 No one was more faithful to his early friends.., particularly if they could write a squib.
1882 W. Ballantine Some Exper. Barrister's Life xiii. 127 His tendency to uphold technical views gave rise to a very clever squib.
4. Applied to persons:† b. A subordinate decoy in a gambling-house.
a. A mean, insignificant, or paltry fellow; also, a short or thin person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily height > shortness > [noun] > person
dwarfeOE
congeonc1230
go-by-ground?a1300
smalla1300
shrimpc1386
griga1400
gruba1400
murche1440
nirvil1440
mitinga1450
witherling1528
wretchocka1529
elf1530
hop-o'-my-thumb1530
pygmy1533
little person1538
manikin1540
mankin1552
dandiprat1556
yrle1568
grundy1570
Jack Sprat1570
squall1570
manling1573
Tom Thumb1579
pinka1585
squib1586
screaling1594
giant-dwarf1598
twattle1598
agate1600
minimus1600
cock sparrow1602
dapperling1611
modicum1611
scrub1611
sesquipedalian1615
dwarflinga1618
wretchcock1641
homuncio1643
whip-handle1653
homuncule1656
whippersnapper1674
chitterling1675
sprite1684
carliea1689
urling1691
wirling1691
dwarf man1699
poppet1699
durgan1706
short-arse1706
tomtit1706
Lilliputian1726
wallydraigle1736
midge1757
minikin1761
squeeze-crab1785
minimum1796
niff-naff1808
titman1818
teetotum1822
squita1825
cradden1825
nyaff1825
weed1825
pinkeen1850
fingerling1864
Lilliput1867
thumbling1867
midget1869
inch1884
shorty1888
titch1888
skimpling1890
stub1890
scrap1898
pygmoid1922
lofty1933
peewee1935
smidgen1952
pint-size1954
pint-sized1973
munchkin1974
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > one who is unimportant > paltry, mean, or contemptible
turdc1400
shrub1566
skybala1572
peltera1577
whipstart1581
smatchetc1582
squib1586
paltripolitan1588
scrub1589
Jack-a-Lent1596
snotty-nose1604
whipstera1616
whimling1616
whiffler1659
insignificancy1661
insect1684
insignificant1710
pic1839
squirt1844
whiffmagig1871
sniff1890
picayune1903
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > condition of being held in contempt > [noun] > state or quality of being contemptible > contemptible person
wormc825
wretchOE
thingOE
hinderlingc1175
harlot?c1225
mixa1300
villain1303
whelpc1330
wonnera1340
bismera1400
vilec1400
beasta1425
creaturec1450
dog bolt1465
fouling?a1475
drivel1478
shit1508
marmoset1523
mammeta1529
pilgarlica1529
pode1528
slave1537
slim1548
skit-brains?1553
grasshopper1556
scavenger1563
old boss1566
rag1566
shrub1566
ketterela1572
shake-rag1571
skybala1572
mumpsimus1573
smatchetc1582
squib1586
scabship1589
vassal1589
baboon1592
Gibraltar1593
polecat1593
mushroom1594
nodc1595
cittern-head1598
nit1598
stockfish1598
cum-twang1599
dish-wash1599
pettitoe1599
mustard-token1600
viliaco1600
cargo1602
stump1602
snotty-nose1604
sprat1605
wormling1605
brock1607
dogfly?1611
shag-rag1611
shack-rag1612
thrum1612
rabbita1616
fitchock1616
unworthy1616
baseling1618
shag1620
glow-worm1624
snip1633
the son of a worm1633
grousea1637
shab1637
wormship1648
muckworm1649
whiffler1659
prig1679
rotten egg1686
prigster1688
begged fool1693
hang-dog1693
bugger1694
reptile1697
squinny1716
snool1718
ramscallion1734
footer1748
jackass1756
hallion1789
skite1790
rattlesnake1791
snot1809
mudworm1814
skunk1816
stirrah1816
spalpeen1817
nyaff1825
skin1825
weed1825
tiger1827
beggar1834
despicability1837
squirt1844
prawn1845
shake1846
white mouse1846
scurf1851
sweep1853
cockroach1856
bummer1857
medlar1859
cunt1860
shuck1862
missing link1863
schweinhund1871
creepa1876
bum1882
trashbag1886
tinhorn1887
snot-rag1888
rodent1889
whelpling1889
pie eatera1891
mess1891
schmuck1892
fucker1893
cheapskate1894
cocksucker1894
gutter-bird1896
perisher1896
skate1896
schmendrick1897
nyamps1900
ullage1901
fink1903
onion1904
punk1904
shitepoke1905
tinhorn sport1906
streeler1907
zob1911
stink1916
motherfucker1918
Oscar1918
shitass1918
shit-face1923
tripe-hound1923
gimp1924
garbage can1925
twerp1925
jughead1926
mong1926
fuck?1927
arsehole1928
dirty dog1928
gazook1928
muzzler1928
roach1929
shite1929
mook1930
lug1931
slug1931
woodchuck1931
crud1932
dip1932
bohunkus1933
lint-head1933
Nimrod1933
warb1933
fuck-piga1935
owl-hoot1934
pissant1935
poot1935
shmegegge1937
motheree1938
motorcycle1938
squiff1939
pendejo1940
snotnose1941
jerkface1942
slag1943
yuck1943
fuckface?1945
fuckhead?1945
shit-head1945
shite-hawk1948
schlub1950
asswipe1953
mother1955
weenie1956
hard-on1958
rass hole1959
schmucko1959
bitch ass1961
effer1961
lamer1961
arsewipe1962
asshole1962
butthole1962
cock1962
dipshit1963
motherfuck1964
dork1965
bumhole1967
mofo1967
tosspot1967
crudball1968
dipstick1968
douche1968
frickface1968
schlong1968
fuckwit1969
rassclaat1969
ass1970
wank1970
fecker1971
wanker1971
butt-fucker1972
slimeball1972
bloodclaat1973
fuckwad1974
mutha1974
suck1974
cocksuck1977
tosser1977
plank1981
sleazebag1981
spastic1981
dweeb1982
bumboclaat1983
dickwad1983
scuzzbag1983
sleazeball1983
butt-face1984
dickweed1984
saddie1985
butt plug1986
jerkweed1988
dick-sucker1989
microcephalic1989
wankstain1990
sadster1992
buttmunch1993
fanny1995
jackhole1996
fassyhole1997
fannybaws2000
fassy2002
1586 Abp. Loftus in J. A. Froude Eng. (1870) XII. 201 (note) They are all of them but a sort of beggars and squibbes, puppies, dogs, dunghill churles.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 371 Its an hard case, when men of good deseruing Must..be..asked for their pas by euerie squib, That list at will them to reuile or snib.
1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 61 Out steps me an infant squib of the Innes of Court.
a1657 G. Daniel Idyllia in Poems (1878) IV. i. 39 Away! Squibbs of Scurrilitie; 'twas Shame First taught vs cloths.
1898 Leeds Mercury Weekly Suppl. 26 Mar. (E.D.D.) Ah'll knock thee dahn, yo' little squib, if tha doesn't shut thi gob.
1979 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 28 Apr. 17/2 We have numerous utility expressions for people such as..sparrow squib, nugget and streak, for men of varying sizes.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > [noun] > decoy, etc.
woodpecker1608
puff1722
flasher1731
squib1731
stool-pigeon1830
roper1840
shill1916
stick1926
1731 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 25/1 A Squibb, is a Puff of a lower Rank, who serves at half Salary.
c. A firer or thrower of squibs. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > firework > [noun] > one who makes, displays, or fires
squibster1625
pyrotechnista1676
pyrobolist1696
pyrotechnician1729
pyrotechnian1731
squib1759
pyrotechnic1817
1759 H. Walpole Lett. (1846) III. 471 Every squib in town got drunk, and rioted about the streets till morning.
d. Oxford University slang. = squil n.
ΚΠ
1866 St. James's Mag. Oct. 366 The simple seeming ‘squib’ was..a phrase used..by the privileged Christ Church man to designate any member of the university not a member of the..House.
1866 St. James's Mag. Oct. 367 The supercilious soubriquet of ‘squib’ is practically extinct.
e. A horse lacking courage or endurance; hence, a coward. Australian slang.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > cowardice or pusillanimity > [noun] > coward(s)
coward?a1289
hen-hearta1450
staniel?a1500
pigeon?1571
cow1581
quake-breech1584
cow-baby1594
custard1598
chicken heart1602
nidget1605
hen?1613
faintling1614
white-liver1614
chickena1616
quake-buttocka1627
skitterbrooka1652
dunghill1761
cow-heart1768
shy-cock1768
fugie1777
slag1788
man of chaff1799
fainter1826
possum1833
cowardy, cowardy, custard1836
sheep1840
white feather1857
funk1859
funkstick1860
lily-liver1860
faint-heart1870
willy boy1895
blert1905
squib1908
fraid cat (also fraidy cat)c1910–23
manso1912
feartie1923
yellowbelly1927
chicken liver1930
boneless wonder1931
scaredy-cat1933
sook1933
pantywaist1935
punk1939
ringtail1941
chickenshit1945
candy-ass1953
pansy-ass1963
unbrave1981
bottler1994
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > racehorse > with particular qualities or faults
sticker1779
rogue1796
first string1865
coward1880
mudder1892
goat1894
morning-glory1898
mud runner1905
mudlark1906
squib1908
1908 E. S. Sorenson Squatter's Ward xii. 122 It's a monty the little squib would let out a yell jest as I was gettin' clear.
1924 Truth (Sydney) 27 Apr. 6 Squib, a coward.
1933 Bulletin (Sydney) 15 Nov. 8/4 In the result stayers reproducing the old-time qualities of the Australian thoroughbred became rare; but speedy squibs abounded.
1936 A. Russell Gone Nomad 55 There's no place in this town for squibs.
1947 Coast to Coast 1946 217 ‘You're a bloody lot of squibs,’ said Darky disgustedly.
1951 F. J. Hardy Power without Glory 160 I know these johnnys; they're all squibs.
1978 Telegraph (Brisbane) 8 Feb. 20/1 Don Ash is the sort of bloke who makes you feel a squib for crying off with some minor ache or pain from that daily canter around the block.
5. A squirt or syringe. Now dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of squirting or issuing in a jet > [noun] > apparatus or instrument for squirting
squirtelc1440
squirt1530
squib1583
squirter1888
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. F2v A squirt, or a squibbe, which little children vsed to squirt out water withall.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretions > fart or belch > [noun]
fise14..
fartc1405
fist1440
rapa1475
ventosity1513
pet?1521
escape1599
fowkin?a1600
bum crack1604
squib1611
poot1899
poop1937
trouser cough1978
trouser burp2003
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Petereau, a little fart, or Squib.
1653 T. Urquhart tr. F. Rabelais 1st Bk. Wks. xxv. 115 Often-times thinking to let a squib, they did all-to-besquatter..themselves.
7.
a. A small measure or quantity (of strong drink). Now dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > amount of drink > small amount
nipperkin1619
noggin1648
pony1708
squib1756
finger1820
tot1828
nobbler1842
1756 T. Amory Life John Buncle I. 190 He got me a good supper of trouts, fine ale, and a squib of punch.
1805 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1806) 9 312 We raised our spirits with a snack of the bacon, and a squib of gin each.
1844 W. H. Maxwell Wanderings in Highlands (1855) iii. 52 You..rode your..match without a squib.
b. slang. A head of asparagus.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > vegetables > stalk vegetables > [noun] > asparagus > head of
squib1851
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 93/1 I buy all mine at Covent-garden, where it's sold in bundles,..containing from six to ten dozen squibs (heads).
c. colloquial. A kind of sweet made up in a form resembling a squib.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > confections or sweetmeats > sweets > [noun] > a sweet > other sweets
scrochat1448
gobbet riala1500
Portugal1560
sugar-pellet1591
muscadine1599
moscardino1616
rock candy1653
covering-seeds1687
lollipop1784
turn-over1798
lavender-sugar1810
humbug1825
kiss1825
elecampane1826
Gibraltar1831
yellow man1831
rose cake1834
cockle1835
maple candy1840
butterscotch1847
sponge candy1850
squib1851
honeycomb1857
marshmallow1857
motto kiss1858
fondant1861
coffee cream1868
candy-braid1870
candy bar1885
suckabob1888
nut bar1896
crackerjack1902
teiglach1903
red-hot1910
violet cream1912
mouldy1916
patty1916
lace1919
Tootsie Roll1925
sugar mouse1931
Parma1971
cinder toffee1979
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 203/2 ‘Hardbake’, ‘almond toffy’, ‘halfpenny lollipops’, ‘black balls’, the cheaper ‘bulls eyes’, and ‘squibs’ are all made of treacle.
d. slang. (See quot. 1864.)
ΚΠ
1864 J. C. Hotten Slang Dict. (new ed.) Squibs, paint-brushes.
Compounds
C1. attributive and in other combinations, as (in sense 1) squib-crack(er), squib-light, squib-maker, squib-powder; (in sense 3) squib-teller, squib-writer.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > [noun] > squib > making of > maker of
squib-teller1612
squibber1810
squib-writer1837
1612 J. Taylor Laugh & be Fat 4 Wt squib-crack lightning, empty hogshead thund——, To maze the world with terror & with wondring.
1620 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Phylaster ii. 19 They talke of Iubiter, Hees but a squib-cracker to her.
1647 (title) A Fresh Whip for all scandalous Lyers; or, a true Description of the two eminent Pamphliteers, or Squib-tellers of this Kingdome.
1659 England's Confusion 16 Hab. Morley Squib-maker.
1837 W. B. Adams Eng. Pleasure Carriages ii. 47 Their own poet Taylor..now and then assisted by a stray pamphleteer or squib-writer.
1893 Westm. Gaz. 7 Nov. 3/2 A sort of Lord Mayor's Show by torchlight and squib-light.
C2. † squib-pear n. Obsolete (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular types of fruit > [noun] > pear > late-ripening varieties
saffron pear1664
squib-pear1664
Virgoule1691
Virgouleuse1691
winter thorn1693
conference1885
Passe Crassane1954
1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 80 in Sylva Pears. The Squib-pear, Spindle-pear, Virgin.
1676 J. Worlidge Vinetum Britannicum 170 Dead mans pear, Bell-pear, the Squib-pear,..are all very good Winter-pears.
Draft additions September 2003
North American Sport (esp. American Football and Baseball). A hit, kick, or throw which travels only a short distance, esp. as a result of being mis-struck.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > American football > [noun] > actions or manoeuvres
rush1857
punt-out1861
goal-kicking1871
safety1879
safety touchdown1879
scrimmage1880
rushing1882
safety touch1884
touchback1884
forward pass1890
run1890
blocking1891
signal1891
fake1893
onside kick1895
tandem-play1895
pass play1896
spiral1896
shift1901
end run1902
straight-arm1903
quarterback sneak1904
runback1905
roughing1906
Minnesota shift1910
quarterbacking1910
snap-back1910
pickoff1912
punt return1914
screen forward pass1915
screen pass1920
power play1921
sneak1921
passback1922
snap1922
defence1923
reverse1924
carry1927
lateral1927
stiff-arm1927
zone1927
zone defence1927
submarine charge1928
squib1929
block1931
pass rushing1933
safetying1933
trap play1933
end-around1934
straight-arming1934
trap1935
mousetrap1936
buttonhook1938
blitzing1940
hand-off1940
pitchout1946
slant1947
strike1947
draw play1948
shovel pass1948
bootleg1949
option1950
red dog1950
red-dogging1951
rollout1951
submarine1952
sleeper pass1954
draw1956
bomb1960
swing pass1960
pass rush1962
blitz1963
spearing1964
onsides kick1965
takeaway1967
quarterback sack1968
smash-mouth1968
veer1968
turn-over1969
bump-and-run1970
scramble1971
sack1972
nose tackle1975
nickel1979
pressure1981
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > [noun] > batting > types of hit
skyscraper1842
single1851
grass trimmer1867
safe hit1867
roller1871
sacrifice1880
triple1880
two-bagger1880
sacrifice hit1881
pop-up1882
pop fly1884
fungo1887
bunt1889
safety1895
bunting1896
drive1896
hit and run1899
pinch hit1905
Texas leaguer1905
squeeze1908
hopper1914
scratch hit1917
squib1929
line-drive1931
nubber1937
lay-in1951
squeeze bunt1952
comebacker1954
moon shot1961
gapper1970
sacrifice fly1970
sacrifice bunt1974
1929 N.Y. Times 13 Mar. 35/1 Ruppert's Rifles shot squibs for nine innings and owed their victory to Tony Lazzeri's unassisted portrayal of a world's championship ball player.
1932 Baseball Mag. Oct. 496 ‘Number Three’ can be almost anything, screw-ball, fork-ball, knuckle-ball, slop-ball, squib, dipsy-dew.
1955 Sun (Baltimore) 10 Jan. 16/6 The other suggestions from the coaches were that a higher tee..be permitted to discourage ‘squibs’ or short kickoffs.
1976 Casper (Wyoming) Star-Tribune 29 June 13/1 If he slipped, fell; if the kick were a squib kick, hard to pick up, or over his head—well, tough.
1999 Los Angeles Times (Electronic ed.) 24 Oct. On the ensuing kickoff, Justin Krueger's squib kick hit Santa Ana's Joseph Wall in the foot.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
squibv.
/skwɪb/, U.S. /skwɪb/ I. intransitive.
1. To use smart or sarcastic language; to utter, write, or publish a squib or squibs. Frequently const. against, at, on, upon.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > utter a quip [verb (intransitive)] > utter or publish a squib
squib1579
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > follow occupation of writer [verb (intransitive)] > compose > satire
squib1579
satirize1616
1579–80 G. Harvey Let.-bk. in Wks. (1884) I. 80 For squibbing and declayming against many fruitlesse Artes, and Craftes.
1607 S. Hieron Def. Ministers Reasons 224 Why is M, B, squibbed at, who observeth that course?
1682 J. Bunyan Greatness of Soul in Wks. (1853) I. 138 It is a sport now to taunt and squib and deride at other men's virtues.
1718 Entertainer No. 40. 276 He has a deal of reason to be perpetually a squibbing upon the Romish Clergy.
1797 J. Wolcot Ode to Sir J. Banks in Wks. (1812) III. 454 What a joke! ye certainly are squibbing.
1826 New Monthly Mag. 16 312 Now artists and actors the bardling engage To squib in the journals, and write for the stage.
1852 W. Jerdan Autobiogr. II. iii. 26 I argued, and fought, and squibbed, and abused, with the hottest of my contemporaries.
2.
a. To let off squibs; to go on doing this.In the quot. 1691 a stage-direction for thunder.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > firework > [verb (intransitive)] > let off squib
squib1691
1691 J. Wilson Belphegor i. i I'd make him know, I fill my Orb my self...—Squib on—and say [etc.].
b. To fire a gun, etc.; to shoot. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > discharge firearms [verb (intransitive)]
to let fly1611
gun1622
fire1635
pop1650
pluff1826
squib1831
crack1835
poop1915
loose1928
to turn on (or give) the heat1928
1831 Lincoln Herald 22 July 4/4 To go squibbing about with their guns, and putting in jeopardy the lives of his majesty's subjects.
1839 G. W. M. Reynolds Pickwick Abroad xxvi And if the swells resist our ‘Stand!’ We'll squib without a joke.
3.
a. To move about like a squib.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > move swiftly and suddenly > about
skirmc1400
wincec1400
squib1762
spirt1856
wasp1967
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World II. 98 A battered unmarried beau, who squibs about from place to place.
1886 R. E. G. Cole Gloss. Words S.-W. Lincs. 140 Mary Ann does squib about; she nips about when she is playing.
b. With on: to betray or let down (someone). Also without const., to funk, to behave in a cowardly manner; to wriggle or squirm. Australian slang.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > cowardice or pusillanimity > be cowardly or show signs of cowardice [verb (intransitive)]
funk1813
flink1893
squib1938
to pussy out1967
cowardize2003
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)] > desert or deny a person
forsakea1300
refusec1350
nitec1390
swerve1390
relinquish1472
relinque1483
renounce1582
to fling off1587
derelicta1631
relapse1633
plant1743
to throw over1835
chuck up (the sponge)1878
ditch1899
ruck1903
to run out on1912
to walk out1921
squib1938
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from action [verb (intransitive)] > avoid > turn aside from a course of action > back out
resile1529
to back out1807
duff1883
duck1896
punk1920
squib1938
bug1952
weasel1956
to wuss out1976
1938 S. J. Baker in Observer 13 Nov. 11/3 Rat on = to betray, let down. Squib on = ditto.
1941 S. J. Baker Pop. Dict. Austral. Slang 71 Squib, to, to funk, to be afraid of something.
1945 Coast to Coast 1944 5 I'll let him through; it's better to squib than to wreck old Dutch and myself, too.
1947 K. Tennant Lost Haven xvii. 292 You'll probably squib out of it at the last moment.
1962 Coast to Coast 1961–2 83 He could finish on a good wicket in anything. And never squib on a bloke.
4. To make a report like that of a squib.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > sudden or violent sound > explosive sound > [verb (intransitive)] > of fireworks
petard1603
squib1886
1886 R. Kipling Departm. Ditties (1899) 83 A Snider squibbed in the jungle.
II. transitive.
5. † c. figurative. To throw in as a squib. Obsolete. rare.
a. To cast or throw forth, off, out (a remark, quip, etc.) after the manner of a squib.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > suddenly
rap1541
squib1596
to let off1714
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > say as a quip [verb (transitive)] > say as a squib
squib1596
squib1655
1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. T2 Anie Frezeland, Dutch or Almain scribe..that hath but squibd foorth a Latin Puerilis in Print.
1602 T. Dekker Satiro-mastix sig. H2v I could make thine eares burne now... That thou wouldst neuer squib out any new Salt-peter Iestes against honest Tucca.
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Richard II cccxli, in Poems (1878) III. 222 The Arch-Bishop still Flirting Divinitie against the Throne,..Squibs the Worne moralls, Hope and Patience.
1853 W. Jerdan Autobiogr. IV. xiii. 237 Hook squibbed off a few pleasantries.
b. To let off (a squib); to fire (a gun, etc.), esp. with the priming or powder only; †to shoot (an arrow).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > use of bow and arrow > shoot (arrow) [verb (transitive)]
loosec1400
squib1603
to shaft out1862
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > fire (a gun) [verb (transitive)]
loosec1400
fire1508
let1553
pop1595
report1605
unlade1611
to fire off1706
to let off1714
squib1811
to set off1881
to ease off1916
poop1917
the world > matter > light > firework > [verb (transitive)] > let off
to let off1714
fire1740
squib1892
1603 C. Heydon Def. Iudiciall Astrol. ii. 22 A child squibbes his arrows at random into the aire.
1811 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1813) XVI. 5 Squibbed our guns over the bridge.
1829 W. H. Maxwell Stories Waterloo: F. Kennedy 223 The customary bows were formally interchanged between the respective belligerents,..pistols squibbed, loaded, and delivered to the principals.
1892 ‘B. Hinton’ Lord's Return 194 I shall have all the squibs squibbed if I don't go.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > say as a quip [verb (transitive)] > say as a squib
squib1596
squib1655
1655 T. Fuller Hist. Univ. Cambr. i. 14 in Church-hist. Brit. When Matthew Parker..reports, how many deserting Oxford removed to Cambridge, he [sc. Twine] squibs in this Parenthesis.
6. To assail or attack (a person) with squibs or witty sarcasm; to lampoon or satirize smartly.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > say as a quip [verb (transitive)] > in attack
quirk1596
squib1631
smart-mouth1970
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)] > express in written work or write about > satirize or lampoon
billc1450
pistle1589
canvass1590
satirize1619
squib1631
pasquila1648
lampoona1657
pasquin1683
parodize1768
pasquinade1779
besquib1813
1631 T. May tr. J. Barclay Mirrour of Mindes ii. 20 They..are squibbed with iests and taunts, which like little darts, are in daily discourse throwne against them.
1758 J. Adams Diary 29 Dec. (1961) I. 64 Lambert will laugh no doubt, and will tell the story to every man he sees, and will squib me about it, whenever he sees me.
1830 Examiner 2/1 He suffered himself to be squibbed to death.
1868 Green Lett. (1901) II. 202 The mendicant parson, whom I am so fond of squibbing.
1880 B. Disraeli Endymion I. xxxiii. 309 There is a cabinet minister;..I have been squibbing him for these two years.
7. To spatter with a squib or squirt.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of squirting or issuing in a jet > squirt liquid [verb (transitive)] > squirt with something
squib1842
1842 R. H. Barham Nursery Reminisc. in Ingoldsby Legends 2nd Ser. 136 Billy Hawkins..with his pewter squirt, Squibb'd my pantaloons and stockings Till they were all over dirt!
8. To avoid (a difficulty or responsibility); to funk, to shirk through fear or cowardice. Australian slang.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > cowardice or pusillanimity > be cowardly [verb (transitive)] > shirk
squib1934
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > avoid or shun > avoid (duty, work, or exertion)
shoot1543
scuff1595
to shuffle off1604
shirk1785
funk1834
gold-brick1918
dingo1930
squib1934
skate1945
1934 Bulletin (Sydney) 1 Aug. 46/4 He judges the dodger's done just what he'd do himself; squibbed it and dropped his load.
1936 F. Clune Roaming round Darling xv. 138 Oxley and Evans attempted to explore the Macquarie, but floundering about the marshes Oxley squibbed the job once more.
1940 N. Monks Squadrons Up! i. 26 The censor..said that we should not let the enemy Command know their fighters were squibbing it [sc. avoiding combat].
1955 D. Niland Shiralee 50 The rough-and-tumble doesn't worry me. I'm not squibbing the issue.
Draft additions September 2003
North American Sport (esp. American Football and Baseball). transitive. To throw, kick, or hit (the ball) so that it travels only a short distance, esp. unintentionally. Also intransitive (of a ball, etc., or the throw, etc.) to travel only a short distance.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > American football > play American football [verb (transitive)] > actions to ball
return1884
snap1887
drive1889
centre1895
to turn over1921
convert1932
lateral1932
snag1942
shovel pass1948
bootleg1951
squib1966
to take a (also the) knee1972
spike1976
1966 N.Y. Times 4 Jan. 23/3 The ball was wet and it squibbed on me just as I threw it... I knew it would fall short.
1979 Washington Post 23 Jan. d3/2 When Roy Gerela slipped on the next kickoff, he squibbed the ball to the Cowboys' Randy White, a defensive lineman.
1982 Twilight Zone Mag. June 28/2 The ball squibbed off his bat along the ground toward Gammill, who followed its course a moment or two before he observed that Pless had fallen.
1993 Los Angeles Times (Electronic ed.) 12 May The Kings regained the lead again when Robitaille's shot squibbed off Vancouver defenseman Doug Lidster's skate past a stunned McLean.
2002 Sporting News 16 Sept. 31/2 He squibbed the kick and had to make the tackle himself.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
<
n.c1525
v.1579