powder monkey

• Término histórico para un niño que transportaba pólvora desde el pañol del barco hasta los cañones durante los combates navales en la era de la navegación a vela. Hoy en día el término está anticuado y rara vez se usa fuera de un contexto histórico.

A historical term for a young boy who carried gunpowder from the ship's magazine to the cannons during naval battles in the age of sail. The term is now obsolete and rarely used outside of historical contexts.

1. Historical naval roleC1formalbritish

   A young boy employed on warships to carry gunpowder from the magazine to the cannons during battle.

   Polvorín (tripulante joven)

   • The powder monkey ran quickly to supply the cannons.
   • In the age of sail, powder monkeys were essential for naval combat.
   • The captain praised the powder monkey for his bravery under fire.

2. Modern slang for explosives expertC1informal

   A person who handles or works with explosives, often in mining or demolition.

   Especialista en explosivos

   • The powder monkey carefully set the charges for the controlled demolition.
   • He worked as a powder monkey in the quarry for years.
   • The team of powder monkeys prepared the blast site.