A small explosive device wrapped in paper that makes a loud noise and sometimes sparks when lit, used to celebrate holidays.
A compound of 'fire' (from Old English 'fyr') and 'cracker' (something that cracks or makes noise). Firecrackers became popular in America in the 1800s, imported from China.
Firecrackers originated in ancient China as weapons against enemy spirits—people believed loud noises scared away bad luck, which is why so many cultures still use noise for celebrations.
Colloquially applied to spirited women/girls; historically coded as 'feisty/uncontrollable' — sexualizing energy and dismissing assertiveness as decoration.
Use 'firecracker' only for actual fireworks. For people, describe specific qualities: 'energetic,' 'outspoken,' 'confident.'
["spirited","energetic","confident","outspoken"]
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