squibs
Brief newspaper fillers
Squibs are small fireworks that burn with a hissing sound before exploding.
The term extends to brief satirical pieces or witty attacks in writing.
In film and theater, squibs are small explosive devices hidden under clothing to simulate bullet impacts.
A damp squib is something that fails to meet expectations—promising much but delivering little.
Small celebratory explosive device
- bangerBritish pork link
- crackerCrisp baked wafer
- sparklerEmitting light stick
- pyrotechnicsArt of explosive displays
fuse · ignition · pop · snap · novelty · celebration · festival · display
Mockery exposing vice
- parodySatirical imitation
- skitBrief comic performance
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
pasquinade · caricature · spoof · send-up · burlesque · wit · barb · jibe
Failure to discharge
- failureLack of success
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- flopComplete commercial failure
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
defective · fizzle · bust · nonstarter · disappointment · anticlimax · ineffective · abortive
Of limited extent
- paragraphDistinct section of text
- snippetSmall cut portion
- blurbBrief promotional text
- thumbnailReduced preview image
capsule · summary · concise · pithy · terse · succinct · précis · digest
firecracker
Small celebratory explosive device
pyrotechnics · fuse · ignition · pop · snap · novelty · celebration · festival · display · fountain
satire
Mockery exposing vice
ridicule · pasquinade · caricature · spoof · send-up · burlesque · wit · barb · jibe · takedown
misfire
Failure to discharge
- failureLack of success
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- flopComplete commercial failure
letdown · defective · fizzle · bust · nonstarter · disappointment · anticlimax · ineffective · abortive · botch
short
Of limited extent
thumbnail · capsule · summary · concise · pithy · terse · succinct · précis · digest · compact
paragraph
Distinct section of text
snippet · column · press · headline · article · editorial · mention · gossip · feature · report
muggle
Non-participant in specialized activity
Hogwarts · Rowling · heritage · pureblood · wand · spell · fantasy
- stunt workstunt coordinator, stunt double, stunt performers, stunt coordination, stunts
- detonatorsdetonators, blasting caps, percussion caps, primers, initiators
- pamphletsleaflets, booklets, tracts, brochures, handbills
- Explosivesbomb, dynamite, grenade, TNT, C-4
- media violenceviolent imagery, content warnings, age restrictions, parental controls, V-chip
squibsdynamite
Powerful blasting compound
TNT · high explosives · bombs · blasts · detonations
squibsblockbusters
Hugely successful entertainment products
smash hits · triumphs · masterpieces · sensations · showstoppers
- damp squibUnderwhelming outcome after buildup