Skyrockets

Factual Questions
1

Why do prices skyrocket but there are no literal skyrockets? Was there ever a time when a rocket was called a skyrocket?

2

It is a term for fireworks.

3

[QUOTE=adam yax]
It is a term for fireworks.
[/QUOTE]
Well, yeah, but when’s the last time you heard anyone use it? Was this ever the predominant term?

4

[QUOTE=CookingWithGas]
Well, yeah, but when’s the last time you heard anyone use it? Was this ever the predominant term?
[/QUOTE]

Back in the 70s.
The Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight Lyrics

5

“Sky rockets in flight,
Afternoon delight!”

6

[QUOTE=rowrrbazzle]
“Sky rockets in flight,
Afternoon delight!”
[/QUOTE]

We just had the “Wimpiest simulpost ever”. :smiley:

Jim

7

Online Etymology Dictionary

skyrocket (n.)
1688, from sky + rocket. The verb, in the fig. sense of “to rise abruptly and rapidly,” is attested from 1895.

8

[QUOTE=CookingWithGas]
Well, yeah, but when’s the last time you heard anyone use it? Was this ever the predominant term?
[/QUOTE]
So? Do you think we automatically drop a word from the language just because its origin becomes obsolete?