What A Great Word

I know this is just a human ( or in this case lobster) interest filler story

Bomb-loving lobster Lionel explodes after detonation

But what caught my eye was this quote.

Unfortunately, the bomb disposal unit have a job to do and it wasn't possible to save Lionel,' said a coastguard spokesman.

'We've had a moment's silence for him, though, because he was no doubt blown to smithereens.'

“Smithereens”  fantastic, I can’t recall the last time I heard it, let alone saw it in print. I shall make every effort today to include it in conversation.

For the younger readers

smithereens, n. pl.

    Small fragments; atoms. Usually in phrases to knock, split, blow (etc.) to or into, to go to, smithereens.

[var. of next, with Irish diminutive ending, and either adopted from, or the source of, mod.Ir. smidirín.]