bean-shooter

An American slang term with two closely related senses: a peashooter (a toy tube used to blow small projectiles) and, in dialect use, a slingshot. Both senses describe low-powered improvised or toy ranged weapons associated with childhood play. The term also has a broader metaphorical use as a dismissive label for any small, underpowered, or unimpressive firearm. The compound follows a straightforward descriptive logic — something that shoots bean-sized projectiles — and reflects a long tradition of American English nicknames for makeshift weapons.

Has two related senses: in US dialect, a slingshot, the Y-shaped implement used to launch projectiles; and in slang, a peashooter or a small, unimpressive gun. Both senses emphasize smallness and informal improvised construction. The slingshot sense is regional American dialect, while the small-gun sense is broader slang. Neither is in active widespread contemporary use. The slingshot sense is primarily found in 19th and early 20th century American regional writing; the small-gun sense extended the meaning to any toy or minor weapon.

(slang) A peashooter; a small or toy gun.

(US, dialect) A slingshot.