squirt can: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “squirt can” mean?
A small, handheld container, typically metal, designed to expel a concentrated stream of liquid (like water or oil) through a nozzle when pressure is applied.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, handheld container, typically metal, designed to expel a concentrated stream of liquid (like water or oil) through a nozzle when pressure is applied.
It can refer to a tool used for lubrication (oil can) or a toy used to spray water, often associated with childhood or playful mischief.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, 'oil can' or 'spray bottle' might be used for the same objects, though 'squirt can' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it has a slightly old-fashioned or specific technical/playful connotation, not a modern household item.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts in both regions; higher recognition in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “squirt can” in a Sentence
VERB + squirt can: use/grab/fill/prime a squirt canADJ + squirt can: old/metal/red/handy squirt canPREP + squirt can: with a squirt can, from a squirt canVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “squirt can” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mechanic needed to squirt-can some grease onto the bearing.
American English
- He'll squirt-can some oil on that squeaky hinge.
adjective
British English
- The squirt-can mechanism was broken.
American English
- It's a squirt-can water fight!
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in specific industrial supply or hardware retail.
Academic
Extremely rare; not an academic term.
Everyday
Used in contexts of DIY, car maintenance, gardening (for pesticides), or children's toys.
Technical
Used in mechanical workshops or lubrication engineering to refer to a specific type of manual oiling device.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “squirt can”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “squirt can”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “squirt can”
- Confusing it with 'squeeze bottle' (which is soft) or 'aerosol can' (which is pressurised). Using it as a verb (*'I will squirt can the hinge').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, especially in a toy context. However, 'water pistol' or 'squirt gun' is more specific for toys. A 'squirt can' is a broader term that can also be a tool for oils or other liquids.
It is not recommended. In formal or technical writing, more precise terms like 'manual oil dispenser', 'hand-pump lubricator', or 'spray applicator' would be preferred.
A squirt can is manually pressurised by a hand pump or squeezing, producing a stream or coarse spray. An aerosol can is pressurised internally with propellant, producing a fine, continuous mist.
Less so. For lubrication, many people use dedicated oil bottles with twist caps. For spraying, trigger spray bottles are more common. The classic metal 'squirt can' has a nostalgic or specialised workshop connotation.
A small, handheld container, typically metal, designed to expel a concentrated stream of liquid (like water or oil) through a nozzle when pressure is applied.
Squirt can: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskwɜːt ˌkæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskwɝːt ˌkæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this noun phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a child giving a quick SQUIRT of water from a CAN. The two words together perfectly describe its function.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly metaphoric. Literal object.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most typical use for a 'squirt can' in a mechanical context?