popgun

American  

[pop-guhn] / ˈpɒpˌgʌn /

noun

1. a child's toy gun gin gun from which a pellet is shot by compressed air, producing a loud pop.

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popgun British  

/ ˈpɒpˌɡʌn /

noun

1. a toy gun that fires a pellet or cork by means of compressed air and makes a popping sound

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Etymology

Origin of popgun

First recorded in 1655–65; pop ¹ + gun ¹

Example Sentences

If this was France's backlash to what happened to them against Ireland in Marseille then it was more popgun than bazooka.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2024

“My advice to them would be: Avoid the popgun effect of a subpoena that can’t be enforced,” Mr. Brand said.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2023

The Chiefs’ popgun offense and stingy defense carried them to a 9-7 record last season, barely missing out on the playoffs on the final Sunday of the regular season.

From Washington Times • Jul. 28, 2015

But they're only a half-game out of first place, in sole possession of second, and do have some bullets left to fire in their popgun approach to offense.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2011

He moved a little restlessly and said, ‘Colonel Nesbit... remember. And he told me, “Go buy a popgun, boy.”

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes