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The Blogging From A to Z April Challenge: B is for Blunderbuss

Monday, 2 April 2012

My posts in the The Blogging From A to Z April Challenge are all about interesting words. Words that are weird, intriguing, poetic or just plain cool.


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

22 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. I 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!!
    Take care
    x

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  3. Hi, Simon,
    Looks like that would be a good story (Blunderbusses and dragons- maybe the Archaopterixes? )
    Enjoyed your posts
    Ruby

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  4. My son will love to hear about this word. Lol great theme, btw.

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  5. A very funny sounding word. Very interesting! That story would definitely confuse a few, when you talk about shooting with dragons...

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  6. Great B word!

    I 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... ;^)

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  7. I've never heard of a Blunderbuss. It's a cool word. Makes me want to use it in a story.

    M.J. Fifield
    My Pet Blog

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  8. Blunderbuss! First heard the term when I watched a Discovery channel feature on pirates. :)
    great post!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  9. How awesome would it be if the steampunk supervillain USED a blunderbuss?! :)

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  10. I actually know what a blunderbuss is!

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  11. From the photo, I understand why it's called "thunder pipe." It might be useful against a dragon.

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  12. I'm going to be saying "donderbus, blunderbuss" in my head for the rest of the day, and possibly making booming sounds.

    Thanks in advance for that.

    A-Z @ Elizabeth Twist

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  13. I've always liked this word. It's fun to say, and it doesn't sound like what it means. :)

    This is a really neat theme! I'll be checking back to see what other words you choose.

    - Lauren, from Word Art

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  14. Sounds like it would be an action-packed story!

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  15. I would look forward to reading a story about blunderbusses and dragons. This is a fantastic theme. I will return.

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  16. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that! There'd be blunderguts all over the place.

    Stephen Tremp
    Co-host A to Z Challenge

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  17. 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!

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  18. A 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!)

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  19. Many, many thanks for commenting y'all! Again, I've been over to your blogs to comment rather than replying here ...

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  20. Hi 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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I'd love to know what you think.