ronson
Ronson (noun) means (military slang, historical) A nickname for the M4 Sherman tank, referencing its tendency to catch fire when hit. Example: “Veterans grimly nicknamed the M4 the "Ronson" after it went up in flames from a single hit.”
How to use ronson
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA grim WWII-era nickname for the Sherman tank, referencing its habit of bursting into flames when struck.
Historical military slang, rarely used outside discussions of WWII armor.
Word forms
ronsons plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Veterans grimly nicknamed the M4 the "_____" after it went up in flames from a single hit.
Etymology
Named after the cigarette-lighter brand Ronson, whose 1940s advertising slogan promised it would light "every time" — a dark joke about how easily the tank ignited.
Rhymes for ronson
See all rhymes for ronson →Frequently asked questions
What does “ronson” mean?
The word “ronson” means (military slang, historical) A nickname for the M4 Sherman tank, referencing its tendency to catch fire when hit. In plain terms, a grim WWII-era nickname for the Sherman tank, referencing its habit of bursting into flames when struck.
How do you pronounce “ronson”?
“Ronson” is pronounced RON-suhn (/ˈrɒnsən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ronson” in a sentence?
Here is “ronson” used in a sentence: “Veterans grimly nicknamed the M4 the "Ronson" after it went up in flames from a single hit.”
What part of speech is “ronson”?
“Ronson” is a noun.
Where does the word “ronson” come from?
The word “ronson” dates back to around 1940. Named after the cigarette-lighter brand Ronson, whose 1940s advertising slogan promised it would light "every time" — a dark joke about how easily the tank ignited.