whizz-bang

noun

1. a small-calibre World War I shell that, when discharged, travelled at such a high velocity that the sound of its flight was heard only an instant, if at all, before the sound of its explosion
2. a type of firework that jumps around emitting a whizzing sound and occasional bangs

adjective

1. informal.
   excellent or first-rate

Example Sentences

The worst of all is the whizz-bang, because it doesn't give you a chance—it pounces and is on you the same moment that it bangs.

From Project Gutenberg

They had not gone seventy yards before a "whizz-bang" burst a few yards North of the road hitting a Stretcher Bearer.

From Project Gutenberg

With the whizz-bang there is no hope, for there is no warning; the sound and the shell arrive almost simultaneously.

From Project Gutenberg

Even a little "whizz-bang" would go through them as though they were egg-shells.

From Project Gutenberg

The Colonel had had his leg smashed by a whizz-bang when leading his troops into action.

From Project Gutenberg