flying dustbin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Military Slang, Historical
Quick answer
What does “flying dustbin” mean?
A military aircraft, specifically a bomber, that is large, slow, cumbersome, and heavily laden with bombs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military aircraft, specifically a bomber, that is large, slow, cumbersome, and heavily laden with bombs.
A pejorative term for any large, slow-moving vehicle or aircraft considered unwieldy or inefficient.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Almost exclusively British Commonwealth origin (RAF). American WWII airmen had similar slang (e.g., 'flying boxcar', 'lead sled') but 'flying dustbin' is specifically British.
Connotations
Strongly negative; implies uselessness, vulnerability, and being a target.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern usage, found only in historical contexts or as a colorful metaphor.
Grammar
How to Use “flying dustbin” in a Sentence
[Subject] was nicknamed a flying dustbin.They called the [Aircraft] a flying dustbin.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying dustbin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was stuck with that flying-dustbin of a plane.
- Its flying-dustbin reputation made crews nervous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical military studies.
Everyday
Not used in modern conversation; possible as a humorous insult for a bad car.
Technical
Not used in aviation technical language.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying dustbin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying dustbin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying dustbin”
- Using it to refer to modern aircraft.
- Using it in a positive or neutral context.
- Confusing it with 'flying fortress' (which was a nickname for the effective B-17).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a strong insult. It was used by aircrew to express fear and disdain for an aircraft they considered poorly designed and dangerous.
Only in a very informal, humorous, and metaphorical way, drawing on the term's historical meaning of being slow and unwieldy. e.g., 'My old van was a real flying dustbin.'
The term was most famously applied to the Fairey Battle light bomber of WWII, but could be used for any aircraft perceived as slow, vulnerable, and ineffective.
No, it is purely historical slang. Modern military slang is different and this term would not be understood in a contemporary operational context.
A military aircraft, specifically a bomber, that is large, slow, cumbersome, and heavily laden with bombs.
Flying dustbin is usually informal, military slang, historical in register.
Flying dustbin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈdʌs.tɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈdʌs.tɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a flying dustbin (for something large and unwieldy).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a slow, noisy WWII bomber clumsily dropping a 'bin' full of bombs.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRCRAFT IS A CONTAINER FOR WASTE (ineffective weaponry or a doomed crew).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'flying dustbin'?