A flying bomb or unmanned aircraft that makes a loud buzzing sound, particularly the German V-1 weapon used in World War II.
Compound word combining 'buzz' (the sound made by the engine) and 'bomb' (an explosive device). The term emerged during WWII to describe the distinctive V-1 flying bomb, which made a characteristic buzzing sound from its pulse-jet engine as it flew toward its target.
The V-1 'buzzbomb' terrified Londoners not just because of the explosion—it was the *silence* that was scary. When the engine's buzz suddenly stopped, you had about 15 seconds before impact. Londoners called it the 'doodlebug' because you could track your doom by sound.
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