Smash-Up
/ˈsmæʃ ˌʌp/noun
An accident, collision, or violent breakdown; also a complete failure or upset.
Did you know?Unlike ancient words with deep mythic roots, smash-up is a relatively modern English formation, showing how English loves turning raw sound into a vivid image of destruction.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
smaþian / smæscan (related Germanic forms)
“to crush, bruise, or break violently”
Middle English
ME
smashen
“to break into pieces or strike violently”
17th–18th Century
English
smash
“a sudden violent breaking or shattering”
19th Century
English
smash-up
“a wreck, collision, or destructive crash”
Modern English
English
smash-up
“an accident, failure, or total breakdown”
Explore more surprising origins