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thunderstick

thunderstick

1 9.9
A slang name for a gun or sometimes for a musical instrument shaped like a stick
  • noun
  • /ˈθʌndərˌstɪk/
  • Slang
translation icon : arma
  • The band played a song with a thunderstick solo.

Examples

  • He pulled out his thunderstick during the confrontation.

  • The cowboy always carried his thunderstick for protection in the wild west.

  • The cowboy quickly drew his thunderstick when he heard a noise outside the saloon.

  • In some old movies, outlaws always carried a thunderstick for protection.

  • The musician played a unique thunderstick that added a deep sound to the band.

  • During the shootout, the gang members brandished their thundersticks fiercely.

  • He proudly displayed his new thunderstick, a collector's piece with intricate carvings.

Synonyms

rain stick
vsthunderstick
1 8.1

A hollow tube with small stones inside that makes a rain sound when tilted

refers mainly to a slang word for a weapon rather than a ceremonial instrument

Surface Forms

thunderstick singular
thundersticks plural

Morphology

thunderstick = thunder + stick (semi-transparent) = thunder + stick

Formed from 'thunder' + 'stick' but used metaphorically or slangily for a gun or instrument, so the relation to the parts is figurative rather than strictly literal.

Etymology

Thunderstick joins thunder ('a loud, powerful sound') and stick ('a long object') as a nickname. A helpful way to remember it is that a gun or a stick-like instrument can make a thunder-like sound, so calling something a thunderstick says it is loud and powerful.