whizzbang

• Nom désignant un petit projectile à grande vitesse qui émet un sifflement suivi d'une explosion à l'impact, ou un pétard qui produit un sifflement puis un fort détonation.

A noun referring to a small high-velocity shell that produces a whizzing sound followed by a bang upon impact, or a firecracker that similarly makes a whizzing sound followed by a loud explosion.

1. High-velocity artillery shellC1formaltechnical

   A small, fast-moving artillery shell that produces a distinctive whizzing sound followed by a loud bang upon impact.

   Obus à grande vitesse

   • The soldiers could hear the whizzbang approaching before it exploded nearby.
   • Whizzbangs were notoriously difficult to dodge due to their high speed.
   • The constant threat of whizzbangs kept the troops on edge.

2. B2informal

   A type of firecracker that imitates the sound of the artillery shell, producing a whizzing noise followed by a loud explosion.

   Pétard imitant un obus

   • The children lit a whizzbang and ran away as it started to whiz.
   • He bought a pack of whizzbangs for the Fourth of July celebration.
   • The whizzbang startled everyone in the neighborhood with its loud bang.