barnstorm
UK[ˈbɑːn.stɔːm]US[ˈbɑːrn.stɔːrm]
v
to tour rural areas giving theatrical performances, political speeches, or exhibitions of flying skills.
v
to travel around an area making a series of brief, energetic public appearances, especially in a political campaign.
Morpheme Breakdown
barn
storm
barn
a large farm building for storage
storm
a violent disturbance of the atmosphere; to attack or move forcefully
Etymology
the word barnstorm is a vivid american compound from the early 19th century. it originally described the actions of touring theatrical troupes who would perform in rural barns, 'storming' from one village to the next with energetic, impromptu shows. this sense of a rapid, forceful, and attention-grabbing tour was later extended to the daring exhibition flights performed by pilots in the early days of aviation, who would land in fields near towns to put on shows. the modern political sense retains this core idea of a swift, vigorous tour through a region to garner public attention and support.
Analysis
Structure: barn + storm
barn (old english, meaning "a large farm building for storage") + storm (old english, meaning "a violent disturbance of the atmosphere; to attack or move forcefully").
Examples
the candidate plans to barnstorm across the state in the final week before the election.
in the 1920s, pilots would barnstorm the countryside, performing stunts for local crowds.
the theater company used to barnstorm through small towns, converting any available space into a stage.