Skyrockets

[CookingWithGas]

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

[Ike_Witt]

It is a term for fireworks.

A firework that ascends high into the air where it explodes in a brilliant cascade of flares and starlike sparks.
intr. & tr.v. sky·rock·et·ed, sky·rock·et·ing, sky·rock·ets
To rise or cause to rise rapidly and suddenly: Wheat prices skyrocketed. Discovery of oil here has skyrocketed land values.

[CookingWithGas]

@adam yax

It is a term for fireworks.

Well, yeah, but when’s the last time you heard anyone use it? Was this ever the predominant term?

[What_Exit]

@CookingWithGas

Well, yeah, but when’s the last time you heard anyone use it? Was this ever the predominant term?

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

And you know the night is always gonna be there any way.
**Sky rockets ** in flight.
Afternoon delight.
Afternoon delight.

[rowrrbazzle]

“Sky rockets in flight,
Afternoon delight!”

[What_Exit]

@rowrrbazzle

“Sky rockets in flight,
Afternoon delight!”

We just had the “Wimpiest simulpost ever”.

Jim

[daffyduck]

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.

[RealityChuck]

@CookingWithGas

Well, yeah, but when’s the last time you heard anyone use it? Was this ever the predominant term?

So? Do you think we automatically drop a word from the language just because its origin becomes obsolete?