fizgig

American  

[fiz-gig] / ˈfɪzˌgɪg /

noun

1. a type of firework that makes a loud hissing sound.

2. a whirling toy that makes a whizzing noise.

3. fishgig.

4. Australian. a police informer.

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fizgig British  

/ ˈfɪzˌɡɪɡ /

noun

1. a frivolous or flirtatious girl

2. a firework or whirling top that fizzes as it moves

3. a variant of fishgig

4. slang a police informer

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verb

1. slang (intr) to inform on criminals to the police

Etymology

Origin of fizgig

First recorded in 1520–30; of obscure origin; earlier fisgig, perhaps equivalent to fis ( late Middle English fise term of abuse; akin to Old Norse fīsa “to break wind,” which well fits the sound made by the firework) + gig “a flighty, giddy girl; a top (i.e., the toy); odd-looking character, a fool; a joke, merriment”; see origin at fizzle, gig ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

"And you'll be hanged if you do," said Jack, as he walked out of the room; "so it's all one either way, old fizgig."

From Varney the Vampire Or the Feast of Blood by Prest, Thomas Preskett

You’ve got one of your fits on again,” cried Frank contemptuously; “what a gunpowder fizgig you are!”

From In Honour's Cause A Tale of the Days of George the First by Speed, Lancelot

And you could laugh in those days, And didn’t snigger like the ginger fizgig.

From Krindlesyke by Gibson, Wilfrid Wilson