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Glite Dictionary
🔫 Short firearm style 🔫 Compact gun type
bullpup

bullpup

1 9.9
Having the part that holds bullets and the firing parts behind the trigger to make a gun shorter
  • adjective
  • /ˈbʊlˌpʌp/
  • Specialized
: bullpup
  • The new rifle uses a bullpup configuration to make it more compact for urban operations.

Examples

  • A bullpup design allows for a longer barrel without increasing the overall length of the firearm.

  • Many military units prefer bullpup rifles for their maneuverability.

  • Many modern military forces are adopting bullpup weapons for their improved maneuverability.

  • The bullpup design allows for a more compact firearm.

  • The new rifle uses a bullpup configuration to enhance its compactness for urban combat scenarios.

  • Many modern militaries prefer bullpup designs because they offer better handling in tight spaces.

  • A bullpup firearm allows for a reduced length while maintaining a longer barrel for improved accuracy.

How Compact

bullpup
  • Specialized
1 9.9
subcompact
  • US
3 4.3
compact
80 4.1
full-size
43 2.5

Surface Forms

bullpup positive

Morphology

bullpup = bull + pup (opaque) = bull + pup

The term is a metaphorical compound comparing the compact firearm to a short/stocky animal; knowing 'bull' and 'pup' does not let a typical learner infer the firearm meaning.

Etymology

Bullpup likely comes from comparing the gun's short, strong look to a young bull dog or pup, often imagined as a 'bulldog puppy' that is short and stocky. So a bullpup gun has the parts that load and fire placed behind the trigger, making the whole weapon short and easy to handle while still keeping a long barrel.