2A Skills · Say It AccuratelyPrecise words earn trust before the argument starts.Know the terms, the history behind them and the loaded ones to avoid.
The word you choose sets the tone. Neutral, slang and loaded terms each send a different signal.
NeutralFirearm, rifle, pistol, handgun, shotgun.
SlangHeater, piece, iron, gat: fine among friends, risky in public.
LoadedTerms chosen to alarm. Notice them and offer accurate ones.
Words or expressions that have the same or nearly the same meaning
48 common firearms synonyms
- arm
- banana clip
- bazooka
- blaster
- blunderbuss
- cannon
- Chopper
- derringer
- devils paint brush
- equalizer
- flintlock
- firecracker
- forty-five
- gat
- Glock Forty
- handgun
- Hand cannon
- hardware
- heat
- hog leg
- hot lead
- howitzer
- Lead Dispenser
- lead farmer
- lead sprayer
- Lever gun
- magnum
- musket
- ordnance
- Peace maker
- peashooter
- persuader
- piece
- pistol
- Pistolero
- protection
- revolver
- rifle
- rod
- Saturday-night special
- security
- shotgun
- shooter
- six gun
- small arm
- smoke wagon
- thirty-eight
- weapon
gun
noun,
a machine incorporating a tube from which projectiles are propelled by force
1. verb, slang (of a vehicle)
To accelerate or increase speed suddenly or rapidly. rev up an engine.
2. noun, slang
One who has been hired to kill someone.
3. noun, slang A particularly muscular arm; an arm’s large bicep. Usually used in the plural
4. noun, slang
An important, successful, or influential person
Key Points
1Choose the word for the audienceIn a public conversation, “firearm” or the specific type is the safest choice. It sounds precise and calm.
2Watch for borrowed meaningsMany gun words also mean something else, like a strong arm or an important person. Context decides.
3Pair with Words MatterAccurate nouns for firearms go hand in hand with accurate nouns for people. See Words Matter.
