B is for Blunderbuss
Sounds like it could be the name of a Dickensian ruffian, or maybe a steampunk supervillain, but actually, of course, a type of gun. A blunderbuss is something like a shotgun, but with a flared muzzle through which it is loaded. Not a subtle weapon. Its name comes from the Dutch donderbus, meaning "thunder pipe", which probably gives some idea of how one sounds when fired.
There are also pistol-sized blunderbusses called dragons. One day I have to write a story in which the characters race around firing blunderbusses and dragons ...
Archaeopteryx Blunderbuss
I'm surprised you haven't already... I was wondering how your novel (was it Hedge Wytch?) was going? I remember you had some interest. Anyway, good luck with the A-Z!
ReplyDeleteI must remember it's a weapon of some destruction not some cute jolly puffy cheeked red faced greengrocer who likes his whiskey and easy living! LOL! Great word!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
That is a funny word.
ReplyDeleteHi, Simon,
ReplyDeleteLooks like that would be a good story (Blunderbusses and dragons- maybe the Archaopterixes? )
Enjoyed your posts
Ruby
My son will love to hear about this word. Lol great theme, btw.
ReplyDeleteA very funny sounding word. Very interesting! That story would definitely confuse a few, when you talk about shooting with dragons...
ReplyDeleteGreat B word!
ReplyDeleteI always wondered if "blunderbuss" and "blunder" were related words -- as in a clumsy mistake could be like an errant blunderbuss shot.
But your post made me check out the words origins and it looks like "blunder" seems to comes from Scandinavian origins ("to snooze" or shut one's eyes).
Too bad -- I kinda like the image of blundering with a blunderbuss... ;^)
I've never heard of a Blunderbuss. It's a cool word. Makes me want to use it in a story.
ReplyDeleteM.J. Fifield
My Pet Blog
Blunderbuss! First heard the term when I watched a Discovery channel feature on pirates. :)
ReplyDeletegreat post!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
How awesome would it be if the steampunk supervillain USED a blunderbuss?! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Now following.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
The Funnily Enough
I actually know what a blunderbuss is!
ReplyDeleteFrom the photo, I understand why it's called "thunder pipe." It might be useful against a dragon.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be saying "donderbus, blunderbuss" in my head for the rest of the day, and possibly making booming sounds.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance for that.
A-Z @ Elizabeth Twist
I've always liked this word. It's fun to say, and it doesn't sound like what it means. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a really neat theme! I'll be checking back to see what other words you choose.
- Lauren, from Word Art
Sounds like it would be an action-packed story!
ReplyDeleteI would look forward to reading a story about blunderbusses and dragons. This is a fantastic theme. I will return.
ReplyDeleteI'd hate to be on the receiving end of that! There'd be blunderguts all over the place.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
Co-host A to Z Challenge
Reb - Many thanks for asking. All I can say on the novel front is that I will have news soon - but I can't say more than that!
ReplyDeleteA short story with blunderbuses and dragons would be great, loud fun! (I'm a visiting A-Z blogger. Love your choice for A, too... now must come back to see more great words!)
ReplyDeleteMany, many thanks for commenting y'all! Again, I've been over to your blogs to comment rather than replying here ...
ReplyDeleteHi Simon- blunderbusses and dragons .. what a great story that would make .. Blunderbuss is such a wonderful word - except I'd hate to be on the end of it .. well I wouldn't worry I guess - too late by then! Cheers Hilary
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