squirt

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun someone who is small and insignificant
  2. noun the occurrence of a sudden discharge (as of liquid)
  3. verb cause to come out in a squirt

Etymology

From Middle English squirten, squyrten, of uncertain origin; probably onomatopoeic. Akin to swirl. Compare Low German swirtjen (“to squirt”) and Swedish water onomatopoeias skvala, skvalp, skvimpa, and skvätta; Icelandic skvetta; and Norwegian skvette.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pip-squeak, small fry

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