Have you ever mispronounced a word? We all have. But when it’s just one letter you’re getting wrong, it can be doubly embarrassing. Today’s term has done just that, conjuring up images of wet squids. But we’re going to set the record straight. Hopefully this article isn’t a damp squib.
Meaning: something disappointing, anti-climactic, or unexciting; failing to reach expectations.
Origin: (British English, slang) a squib is a small firework, but if it is damp, it will fizzle out without the expected explosion. Hence, a damp squib can figuratively describe a disappointing ending that failed to meet expectations.
Example: “The best man’s speech was a bit of a damp squib.”
I admit, I don’t often hear or see this phrase. Maybe it’s because I’m Australian, or maybe it’s because we use simpler terms nowadays, such as: “That sucked!” I worry that as the English language continues to evolve, it itself might become a damp squib. Let’s hope not.