squib
Brief satirical piece
A squib is a small firework that hisses and then pops—more noise than spectacle.
By extension, a squib is any brief, pointed piece of writing: a short satirical paragraph, a filler item in a newspaper, a quick lampoon.
In film, a squib is a small explosive charge used to simulate gunshot wounds.
A damp squib is something that fails to produce the expected effect—like a firework that fizzles out.
Explosive light displays
- bangSudden loud noise
- popFizzy drink, regionally
- fuseProtective melting wire
- crackleSharp snapping sounds
fizz · sparkler · pyrotechnics · gunpowder · explosion · detonation · ignition · flash
Failure to discharge
- fizzleFail after promising start
- failureLack of success
- flopComplete commercial failure
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
anticlimax · letdown · bust · washout · nonstarter · fiasco · botch
Substance closing gaps
- blurbBrief promotional text
- paragraphDistinct section of text
- columnVertical structural element
- write-upDocumented account or review
notice · short · brief · article · teaser · announcement · plug · snippet
fireworks
Explosive light displays
crackle · fizz · sparkler · pyrotechnics · gunpowder · explosion · detonation · ignition · flash · flare
misfire
Failure to discharge
disappointment · anticlimax · letdown · bust · washout · nonstarter · fiasco · botch
filler
Substance closing gaps
write-up · notice · short · brief · article · teaser · announcement · plug · snippet · item
lampoon
Harsh public mockery
- parodySatirical imitation
- skitBrief comic performance
- pasquinadePublic satirical attack
mockery · spoof · caricature · ridicule · send-up · jibe · taunt · jape · barb · burlesque
wizarding
Related to casting spells
- Fireworksfirework, sparklers, mortars, burst, bursts
- Stuntsstunt, stuntman, stunt double, daredevil, stunt performer
- ignitersigniter, lighter, match, spark plug, flint
- stage effectsfog machine, lighting, smoke machine, strobe light, fog
- small frysmall fry, small-fry, pipsqueak, little guy, nobody
- gun malfunctionsjam, misfire, hangfire, stovepipe, hang fire
squibfeature story
In-depth magazine article
exposé · cover story · investigative report · feature article · magnum opus
squibbomb
Explosive device or disaster
dynamite · explosive · blockbuster · detonation · blast
- squirt gunHandheld toy sprayer
- squirt bottleSqueezable container with nozzle
- damp squibUnderwhelming outcome after buildup
- sea squirtBarrel-shaped marine invertebrate
- squirt toyToy that shoots liquid