firecracker
n.— «With their affection for euphemism, Americans call them “firecrackers” or “popcorn”. They are hollow shells, containing anything from three to more than 2000 bomblets that can spread over large areas and lie dormant for decades.» —“Use of cluster bombs” The Herald (Glasgow, Scotland) Feb. 23, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
There was a time when William Shakespeare was just another little seven-year-old in school. Classes in his day were demanding — and all in Latin. A new book argues that this rigorous curriculum actually nurtured the creativity that later flourished...
Is there something inherent in English that makes it the linguistic equivalent of the Borg, dominating and consuming other languages in its path? No, not at all. The answer lies with politics and conquest rather than language itself. Plus: a new...