banger

Everyday

1. (UK, informal) A sausage. tree →
2. (informal) A firework that makes a loud bang. tree →
3. (UK, informal) An old car in bad condition that often makes noises. tree →
4. (slang) A really good, exciting song, usually loud and catchy. tree →

In the lessons

A very British everyday word: «bangers and mash» is a classic school-dinner and pub meal. On Bonfire Night children are warned that bangers are dangerous and should only be lit by adults. In slang, teenagers call a great song «an absolute banger». In stories an «old banger» is a cheap, rattling car.

Examples

• We had bangers and mash for tea. tree →
• Dad's old banger broke down on the motorway again. tree →
• The neighbours set off bangers at midnight and the dog hid. tree →
• Never hold a banger in your hand after it is lit. tree →
• This new song is an absolute banger! tree →
• The school canteen serves veggie bangers on Fridays. tree →
• Uncle Pete drove a rusty banger with no radio. tree →

Note

Countable: one banger, two bangers. Mostly UK and Australian/NZ use for «sausage». The «song» sense is slang; in formal writing say «a hit song». Fireworks called bangers are banned for sale to children in many places.