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The word for the sound that the wick of the bomb makes (in the movies) while it is being burned.

He lit a wick of the bomb and started running away while the wick was ______ (sizzling? crackling?).

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    "He lit the wick of the bomb and started to run as it fizzed."
    – Heather
    Mar 13, 2018 at 13:58
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    I would agree with you, Nigel, but 'sparkling' is more visual than it is auditory. I think he's looking for an onomatopoeia.
    – Heather
    Mar 13, 2018 at 14:00
  • @Heather you are correct
    – Eduard
    Mar 13, 2018 at 14:01

2 Answers 2

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"Fizz" or "fizzle" is the most similar onomatopoeia I can think of, as it describes the sound a sodie pop would make when opened. Perhaps even "hiss" - that makes it sound more sinister. Otherwise, I think crackling and sizzling are also okay choices, though they may sound a bit dramatic for the actual noise a burning wick would make. That would be a good way to spice up the drama and tension in your piece, though!

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From personal experience, a bomb fuse hisses (sssssss) as it burns. This is true of both Jetex™ (commercial brand) or ones I've made with candle wicks soaked in saltpeter and dried. Alternately, iron filings can be used when mixed with white glue and dried.

Edit: Homemade fuses burn irregularly and occasionally can be heard to "crackle" and "snap" as they progress.

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