The word "smash smithereens" is spelled like this: /smæʃ/ /smɪðəˈriːnz/. The first part, "smash," is spelled phonetically as /smæʃ/, with the "s" pronounced as an "s" sound and the "m" and "a" pronounced as a blend. The second part, "smithereens," is spelled phonetically as /smɪðəˈriːnz/, with the "s" pronounced as a "z" sound, the "m" and "i" pronounced as a blend, and the "th" pronounced as "ð." Together, these two words describe a violent action of causing something to shatter into tiny pieces.
The term "smash smithereens" is a phrase that can be broken down into two parts: "smash" and "smithereens." "Smash" refers to the act of forcefully breaking, shattering, or destroying something with great vigor or impact. It denotes a sudden and violent action that causes an object to collapse or disintegrate. The action of smashing often involves using physical force, such as hitting or striking an object with great intensity, resulting in its fragmentation or destruction.
On the other hand, "smithereens" refers to the tiny, fragmented pieces or splinters that result from the act of smashing. It implies the complete and thorough destruction of an object, reducing it to numerous small, often insignificant fragments or bits. The term is often used in a figurative sense to emphasize the extreme or complete nature of destruction or devastation.
When combined, the phrase "smash smithereens" emphasizes a forceful and violent action that completely obliterates an object, reducing it to tiny fragments or bits. It conveys a sense of total destruction and the consequential scattering of the fragmented pieces. This phrase is often used descriptively, metaphorically, or hyperbolically to emphasize the intensity, impact, or result of an action that leads to complete and irreversible damage or annihilation.
The word "smash" comes from the Middle English word "smashen", which means "to break or crush into pieces". It originated from the Old English word "smaescian", meaning "to crush or crumble".
The term "smithereens", on the other hand, has its origins in the Irish word "smidirín", which means "small fragment" or "tiny piece". It entered the English language through Irish immigrants in the 19th century and eventually became "smithereens", referring to small fragments or pieces resulting from something being shattered or smashed.