How Do You Spell POWDER KEG?

Pronunciation: [pˈa͡ʊdə kˈɛɡ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "powder keg" is straightforward, with each syllable pronounced as expected. To break it down using IPA phonetic transcription, the first syllable is pronounced as "paʊdər," with a long "o" sound and a schwa sound in the second position. The second syllable is pronounced as "keg," with a hard "k" sound and a short "e" sound. Overall, the word is pronounced as "paʊdər keg," with emphasis on the first syllable.

POWDER KEG Meaning and Definition

1. Powder keg refers to a highly volatile or potentially explosive situation, often characterized by intense tensions or conflicts that are on the verge of erupting into violence. Derived from the image of a container filled with gunpowder, a commonly used explosive material, a powder keg denotes an unstable and dangerous environment that can be ignited at any moment. This metaphorical expression highlights the potential for upheaval and destruction inherent in such circumstances.

   A powder keg typically emerges when social, political, ideological, or ethnic factors collide, exacerbating existing grievances or rivalries, and fueling feelings of resentment, anger, or inequality among the affected parties. These tensions can reach a critical point, leading to outbreaks of riots, wars, or revolutions. The term implies that the situation is highly sensitive, with a mere spark or trigger capable of setting off a catastrophic explosion.

   Even though the expression primarily relates to conflicts on a larger scale, it can also be used to describe volatile interpersonal situations. For instance, a tense gathering or contentious discussion can be figuratively described as a powder keg, suggesting that emotions are running high and a heated confrontation might be imminent.

   Overall, a powder keg is a metaphorical representation of a highly unstable and combustible environment, symbolizing the imminent threat of violence or chaos resulting from a convergence of explosive factors.

Common Misspellings for POWDER KEG

• oowder keg
• lowder keg
• -owder keg
• 0owder keg
• piwder keg
• pkwder keg
• plwder keg
• ppwder keg
• p0wder keg
• p9wder keg
• poqder keg
• poader keg
• posder keg
• poeder keg
• po3der keg
• po2der keg
• powser keg
• powxer keg
• powcer keg

Etymology of POWDER KEG

The term "powder keg" has its etymological roots in the late 16th century. It is a combination of the words "powder", referring to gunpowder, and "keg", which is a small barrel or container used for storing and transporting such explosive materials.

The term gained popularity during times of political tension and conflict when the risk of violence or explosion was high. It was often used metaphorically to describe a situation or place that had the potential to erupt into chaos or conflict due to heightened tensions.

Idioms with the word POWDER KEG

• a powder keg The idiom "a powder keg" refers to a situation or place that is extremely volatile, dangerous, and likely to explode or escalate into violence or chaos. It implies a high level of tension, instability, or conflict that could have severe consequences if triggered.
• sitting on a powder keg The idiom "sitting on a powder keg" refers to a situation or person that is in a precarious or dangerous position, potentially leading to explosive or disastrous consequences. It suggests the presence of volatile elements that could easily ignite and cause harm or disruption.
• powder keg A situation or place that is very tense, volatile, and likely to erupt into violence or conflict at any moment.

Similar spelling words for POWDER KEG

• podargus,
• powder store,
• powderize,
• powderise.

Plural form of POWDER KEG is POWDER KEGS