thompson sub-machine-gun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Historical, Military, Technical
Quick answer
What does “thompson sub-machine-gun” mean?
A specific model of portable, fully automatic firearm that fires pistol-caliber ammunition and was developed in the early 20th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific model of portable, fully automatic firearm that fires pistol-caliber ammunition and was developed in the early 20th century.
Often synonymous with early American gangster culture and WWII-era military equipment; can refer metonymically to that era of organized crime or warfare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally recognized in both varieties due to its historical significance in US crime and its use by Allied forces. UK usage may be more consistently hyphenated ('sub-machine-gun').
Connotations
In US contexts, strongly associated with Prohibition-era gangsters (e.g., Al Capone). In UK contexts, primary association may be with British Commandos and paratroopers in WWII.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to cultural prominence in films and crime history.
Grammar
How to Use “thompson sub-machine-gun” in a Sentence
[Subject] + fire/wield/carry + a/the Thompson sub-machine-gunThe Thompson sub-machine-gun + was + [past participle] + [by agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thompson sub-machine-gun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The commandos were Thompson-ed up for the raid.
- He threatened to Thompson the lot of them.
American English
- The gangsters Thompsoned their way into the speakeasy.
- The mobster was known for Thompsoning his rivals.
adverb
British English
- He fired Thompson-style, spraying the entire room.
American English
- The mob attacked Thompson-quick, with automatic fire.
adjective
British English
- The Thompson-style weaponry was crude but effective.
- A Thompson-era gangster film.
American English
- He had a Thompson-like intensity about him.
- The car had a Thompson submachine gun mounted on it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in contexts of firearms manufacturing, auctions, or historical collectibles.
Academic
Used in historical, military history, or criminology papers discussing early 20th-century technology and crime.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation outside specific hobbies (historical reenactment, firearms collecting).
Technical
Precise term in firearms manuals, collector catalogs, and historical weaponry documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thompson sub-machine-gun”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thompson sub-machine-gun”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thompson sub-machine-gun”
- Misspelling as 'Thomson'.
- Using it as a generic term for any submachine gun.
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'sub machine gun'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sub-machine-gun fires pistol cartridges and is typically portable for individual use, while a machine gun (like a Browning) fires rifle cartridges and is often a crew-served weapon.
It was commercially available (though expensive) during the 1920s Prohibition era, and its high rate of fire and portability made it a favoured weapon for criminal organisations like Al Capone's.
In very informal or creative contexts (e.g., in fiction or slang), it can be used to mean 'to shoot with a Thompson,' but this is non-standard and rare in formal writing.
Thompson (with a 'p'). Common misspellings include 'Thomson' (a different surname) or omitting the hyphens in 'sub-machine-gun'.
A specific model of portable, fully automatic firearm that fires pistol-caliber ammunition and was developed in the early 20th century.
Thompson sub-machine-gun is usually historical, military, technical in register.
Thompson sub-machine-gun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒm(p)sən ˌsʌbməˈʃiːn ɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːmpsən ˌsəbməˈʃin ˌɡən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As iconic as a Thompson (referring to something quintessentially associated with a specific era).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Tommy' (the common nickname) with a 'pson' for the 'son' of automatic weapons, used by gangsters on the run.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SYMBOL OF LAWLESS POWER (Prohibition-era America) / A TOOL OF LIBERATION (WWII Allied soldiers).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common informal name for the Thompson sub-machine-gun?