WATER BALLOON Meaning and
Definition
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A water balloon is a typically round, thin-skinned, and inflatable object commonly used in recreational activities, particularly water-based play. It is specifically designed to be filled with water and used as a projectile for games and amusement. The construction of a water balloon usually consists of a flexible rubber or latex material that can expand when filled with water, and due to its elasticity, retains the water inside until it is released or bursts.
Water balloons are often used in various outdoor activities whereby participants engage in games and challenges involving the throwing, catching, and popping of these balloons. These activities can include water balloon fights, where individuals or teams engage in friendly competition by launching the balloons at each other, soaking opponents upon impact. Additionally, water balloons can be employed in relay races or target-based games, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to such events.
Given the fragility of the balloon's surface, it is important to handle them with care to prevent unintended breakage. The burst of a water balloon results in the expulsion of water, often creating unexpected laughter and surprise among participants. Due to their inexpensive pricing and wide availability, water balloons have become a staple in warm-weather activities and are frequently used to promote outdoor fun and cooling relief during summer gatherings and events.
Etymology of WATER BALLOON
The word "water balloon" consists of two components: "water" and "balloon".
The term "water" can be traced back to the Old English word "wæter" which eventually evolved into "water" in Middle English. The word has Germanic roots and is similar to the Dutch "water", the German "Wasser", and the Gothic "wato".
The word "balloon" comes from the French word "ballon", which was derived from the Latin word "balloneus", meaning "large ball". Balloons were initially invented as small, airtight bags, often made of animal bladders, used for various purposes. Over time, they evolved into the more familiar inflatable objects used for decoration or filled with gases like helium or air.
