Smithereens Meaning and Definition
Smithereens
Pronunciation
/ˈsmɪθəriNZ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A term used to describe a mixture of diverse and often disparate elements, suggesting a chaotic or unpredictable situation.
Examples
- The city’s nightlife was a smithereens of clubs, bars, and street performers.
- The politician’s speech was a smithereens of contradictory ideas and confusing jargon.
Synonyms
- Mélange
- Cacophony
- Mosaic
Antonyms
- Uniformity
- Orderliness
- Coherence
Etymology
The word “Smithereens” originated in the early 20th century, likely derived from the sound of broken glass and the idea of fragments or shards.
Usage Notes
While the term is often used informally, it is not typically used in formal writing or professional contexts due to its subjective and whimsical nature.
Cultural References
The term has appeared in popular culture, often used to describe chaotic or absurd situations in films, literature, and music.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Something or someone is “all smithereens”
- The “smithereens” theory of history
Related Words or Phrases
- Fragment
- Disjointed
- Mosaic
Collocations
- A smithereens of…
- Suddenly, everything was smithereens…
Frequency of Use
The term is relatively uncommon, but has gained popularity among certain groups and in certain contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Smithreen
- Smithers