noun

ronson

RON-suhn

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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.”

noun

(military slang, historical) A nickname for the M4 Sherman tank, referencing its tendency to catch fire when hit.

"Veterans grimly nicknamed the M4 the "Ronson" after it went up in flames from a single hit."

How to use ronson

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA grim WWII-era nickname for the Sherman tank, referencing its habit of bursting into flames when struck.

When to use it

Historical military slang, rarely used outside discussions of WWII armor.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ronsons

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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.

· First attested 1940

Class of 1940 ronson joined the language around 1940.

acronym asperger automation bebop butch

See the full Class of 1940 →

Rhymes for ronson

Bronson

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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.