bombshell
UK: ˈbɒmʃel | US: ˈbɑːmʃel
n. 1. A shocking or surprising event or piece of news.
n. 2. (Historical) An explosive artillery shell.
n. 3. (Informal) A strikingly attractive or impressive person (often used for women).
The word "bombshell" originated in the early 19th century, combining "bomb" (from French "bombe," ultimately Latin "bombus," meaning "a booming sound") and "shell" (Old English "scell," meaning "hard outer layer"). Initially, it referred literally to an explosive projectile. By the early 20th century, it metaphorically described shocking news (like an explosion’s impact). The informal sense of an attractive person emerged in the 1940s, likening their effect to the startling power of a bomb.
The scandal was a political bombshell that dominated headlines for weeks.
In WWII, bombshells were dropped strategically to weaken enemy defenses.
She walked into the party looking like a bombshell in her red dress.
The CEO’s resignation came as a bombshell to the company’s employees.
The documentary dropped a bombshell by revealing classified government documents.