Explosive vs I got some blasters

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Explosive

Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective

I got some blasters

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ExplosiveMost common: Explosive
 ExplosiveI got some blasters
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈspləʊsɪv//ɪkˈspləʊzɪv/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈspləʊsɪv//ɪkˈspləʊzɪv/"]/🇬🇧 //aɪ ɡɒt sʌm ˈblɑːstəz//🇺🇸 //aɪ ɡɑt səm ˈblæstərz//
MeaningSomething that can explode or is very strong and sudden.I received some powerful guns or fireworks.
Examplean **explosive device** *(= a bomb)*I got some blasters for the Fourth of July celebration.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbe, highly, be, become, extremely, fairly, veryget some blasters, bought blasters, blast with blasters, blasters for parties, show off my blasters
Antonymscalm, peaceful, stable-
Common mistakesConfused with 'explodes' as a noun instead of an adjective., Using 'explosive' in situations where 'dramatic' or 'intense' would be more appropriate., Mispronouncing as 'explo-sive' instead of 'ex-ploh-sive'.Confused with 'blaster' as a verb meaning to make a sound., Used in formal writing mistakenly., Assumed to always refer to guns, ignoring other contexts like fireworks.
Usage notesOften used in contexts related to chemistry, military, or describing intense emotions. Avoid in casual conversation unless referring to a specific event.Often used in casual conversations, especially among younger people. Might be considered slang; avoid in formal contexts.

See it in real clips

Explosive
I got some blasters

Frequently asked questions: Explosive vs I got some blasters

What's the difference between Explosive and I got some blasters?

Explosive: Something that can explode or is very strong and sudden. I got some blasters: I received some powerful guns or fireworks.

Which is more formal: Explosive and I got some blasters?

Explosive is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Explosive and I got some blasters?

Explosive is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Explosive: an **explosive device** *(= a bomb)* I got some blasters: I got some blasters for the Fourth of July celebration.

Can I use Explosive and I got some blasters interchangeably?

Not always. Explosive and I got some blasters are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons