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A.Word.A.Day--Molotov cocktail Molotov cocktail (MOL-tof KOK-tayl) noun A makeshift bomb made of a breakable container filled with flammable liquid and provided with a usually rag wick that is lighted just before being hurled. [After Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov 1890-1986. Soviet politician who was head of the Council of People's Commissars (1930-1941) and foreign minister (1939-1949 and 1953-1956).] "Jones had several Molotov cocktails in the cab of his truck and he suddenly ignited one." Alan Abrahamson and Miles Corwin, Man Kills Self as City Watches; A motorist unfurls anti-HMO banner on freeway. He sets truck on fire and then commits suicide; Los Angeles Times, 1 May 1998. This week's theme: eponyms. X-Bonus Since light travels faster than sound, isn't that why some people appear bright until you hear them speak? -Steven Wright

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