flame gun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Specialized, Informal (in figurative use)
Quick answer
What does “flame gun” mean?
A portable device that produces a concentrated, controlled flame, typically used for burning off weeds, paint, or starting controlled fires.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable device that produces a concentrated, controlled flame, typically used for burning off weeds, paint, or starting controlled fires.
A tool that projects a focused jet of flame, powered by a fuel such as propane or butane, used in gardening, construction, and industrial applications. In figurative use, it can describe something or someone that incites intense conflict or controversy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. The specific models or brands available may differ regionally.
Connotations
Neutral technical tool in both. Figurative use ('verbal flame gun') is slightly more common in US informal/political commentary.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to specific contexts (gardening, DIY, industrial maintenance).
Grammar
How to Use “flame gun” in a Sentence
use a flame gun (on something)apply (heat) with a flame gunburn off (paint/weeds) using a flame gunVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flame gun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to flame-gun the old paint off the garden gate.
- I'll need to flame-gun that patio before winter.
American English
- They flame-gunned the invasive weeds along the fence line.
- The contractor flame-gunned the roofing tar to seal it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement for landscaping or facilities maintenance.
Academic
Extremely rare, except in technical papers on thermal weed control or paint removal.
Everyday
Used by gardeners and DIY enthusiasts. Figurative use in political/social media discourse.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture, construction (for paint/stripping), and industrial cleaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flame gun”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flame gun”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flame gun”
- Using 'flame gun' to mean a flamethrower (a military weapon).
- Confusing it with a 'heat gun' (which uses hot air, not flame).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A flame gun is a small, handheld tool for gardening or DIY. A flamethrower is a military or industrial device that projects a stream of ignited fuel over a much longer distance.
It can be safe when used with proper precautions (clear area of flammables, have a fire extinguisher handy, avoid use in dry/windy conditions). It is not a tool for beginners without instruction.
Technically yes, but it's overkill and potentially dangerous. A standard barbecue lighter or long match is safer and more appropriate.
A flame gun uses an open, fueled flame. A heat gun is usually electric and blows very hot air, making it safer for tasks like shrinking wrap or softening adhesives where a flame would be a fire risk.
A portable device that produces a concentrated, controlled flame, typically used for burning off weeds, paint, or starting controlled fires.
Flame gun is usually technical, specialized, informal (in figurative use) in register.
Flame gun: in British English it is pronounced /fleɪm ɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /fleɪm ɡʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] To be a human flame gun: to consistently make inflammatory remarks.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GUN that shoots FLAME instead of bullets, used to 'execute' weeds.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS A WEAPON (for attacking weeds/problems); AGGRESSIVE DISCOURSE IS A FIREARM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY use of a gardening flame gun?