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noun Uncommon

sparks

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Sparks (noun) means an informal name for an electrician or a ship's radio operator. Example: “The crew called the ship's radio operator "Sparks.”

noun
1
An informal name for an electrician or a ship's radio operator.
"The crew called the ship's radio operator "Sparks.""
"Call Sparks and ask him to check the wiring in the loft."
"On the old steamer, Sparks sent the distress message to nearby vessels."

How to use sparks

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOld-fashioned slang nickname for an electrician or radio operator.

When to use it

Informal, mostly historical or British slang.

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The crew called the ship's radio operator "_____."

electrician radio operator

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Frequently asked questions

What does “sparks” mean?
The word “sparks” means an informal name for an electrician or a ship's radio operator. In plain terms, old-fashioned slang nickname for an electrician or radio operator.
How do you use “sparks” in a sentence?
Here is “sparks” used in a sentence: “The crew called the ship's radio operator "Sparks.".”
What part of speech is “sparks”?
“Sparks” is a noun.
Is “sparks” a common word?
“Sparks” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Why is an electrician sometimes called Sparks?
Sparks is an informal nickname for an electrician, likely inspired by the electrical sparks associated with wiring and circuitry work. It is used casually rather than as a professional job title.
Is Sparks also used for other jobs?
Yes, Sparks is also an informal name for a ship's radio operator, a usage that comes from the crackling sparks historically produced by early radio equipment. Both meanings are informal nicknames rather than official titles.

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