How Do You Spell BREAK SMITHEREENS?

Pronunciation: [bɹˈe͡ɪk smˈɪθəɹˌiːnz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "break smithereens" can be a bit confusing. The word "smithereens" is a plural noun that means small pieces or fragments. It is pronounced /smɪðəˈriːnz/ (smith-uh-REENZ). The word "break," meaning to shatter or smash into pieces, is spelled traditionally, but when used with "smithereens" it is commonly written as "break smithereens." This phrase is pronounced /breɪk ˌsmɪðəˈriːnz/ (BREAK smith-uh-REENZ). So, if you want to express that something has been shattered into tiny fragments, you can say "break smithereens."

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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BREAK SMITHEREENS Meaning and Definition

  1. break smithereens (verb):

    To completely shatter or destroy something into tiny, fragmented pieces or particles. This phrase is often used to emphasize the extreme force or violence with which the object is broken.

    Derived from the noun "smithereens," meaning small fragments or broken pieces, this expression vividly depicts the violent nature and aftermath of breaking a solid object. The term "smithereens" is believed to come from the Irish phrase "smidiríní" or the Irish word "smidirín," both of which mean little fragments or small pieces.

    When something is broken smithereens, it implies that the object has been shattered into countless minuscule fragments, rendering it impossible to be restored or repaired. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe the complete and utter destruction or annihilation of an object, idea, or plan.

    The use of "smithereens" in this context suggests a sense of chaos, force, or violence, indicating that the breakage is not a gentle or delicate process. It conveys a sharp, explosive, or sudden impact that obliterates the object into tiny, scattered remnants.

    Overall, the phrase "break smithereens" paints a dramatic picture of the destructive force upon an object, emphasizing the irretrievable nature of its fragmentation and the violent energy involved in its shattering.

Common Misspellings for BREAK SMITHEREENS

  • b reak smithereens
  • br eak smithereens
  • bre ak smithereens
  • brea k smithereens
  • break s mithereens
  • break sm ithereens
  • break smi thereens
  • break smit hereens
  • break smith ereens
  • break smithe reens
  • break smither eens
  • break smithere ens
  • break smitheree ns
  • break smithereen s

Etymology of BREAK SMITHEREENS

The word "smithereens" itself is derived from the Irish word "smidiríní" which means small pieces or fragments. It was brought into English in the 19th century and over time, it evolved to "smithereens".

In terms of the phrase "break into smithereens", it is believed that the origin lies in the 19th-century Irish-English dialect. In this context, "smithereens" refers to the action of breaking or smashing something into tiny pieces. This use of "smithereens" gradually became more common in English, leading to the phrase "break into smithereens" being used to emphasize the complete destruction or fragmentation of an object.