spitfire

American  

[spit-fahy^uhr] / ˈspɪtˌfaɪər /

noun

1. a person, especially a girl or woman, who is of fiery temper and easily provoked to outbursts.

2. (initial capital letter) a British fighter plane with a single in-line engine used by the R.A.F. throughout World War II.

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spitfire British  

/ ˈspɪtˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a person given to outbursts of spiteful temper and anger, esp a woman or girl

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Etymology

Origin of spitfire

First recorded in 1590–1600; spit ¹ + fire

Explanation

Someone who's a spitfire has a fiery or passionate temper. If your sister slams her door dramatically whenever she's angry, you can describe her as a spitfire. From the early 1600s, spitfire was used for things that literally appeared to "spit" fire, and also for people who figuratively seemed to do the same. The word described both military cannons and fierce, quick-tempered personalities. Today, it's almost always used for someone who's intense and maybe a little bit difficult: "They have to pay the babysitter extra because my little cousins are such spitfires!"

Example Sentences

Our guest this week is journalist Kat Tenbarge from Spitfire News, who shares her experience attending Brett’s live stand-up show.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2025

A World War Two Spitfire has been forced to make an emergency landing in Kent after losing power.

From BBC • May 4, 2025

He was forced to bail out a fourth time while fighting near Ravenna, Italy when his Spitfire was hit multiple times.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

Friedkin is an aeroplane enthusiast, his grandfather founded an airline in the US, while he himself piloted a Spitfire in the Hollywood blockbuster Dunkirk.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2024

During World War II, there was an American fighter pilot who was killed flying a Spitfire at the age of nineteen.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins