Spike facts for kids

The word Spike can mean many different things! It's a word used for objects, animals, people, and even actions. Let's explore some of the most common and interesting uses of the word "Spike."

What is a Spike?

A spike can be a long, sharp object.

• A nail can be called a spike, especially if it is longer than 100 millimeters (about 4 inches). These are used to hold things together, like wood.
• Rail spikes are special nails used to hold railroad tracks onto wooden pieces called ties. This keeps the tracks stable for trains.
• You might see spiked shoes worn by athletes. These shoes have small, sharp points on the bottom that help athletes get a better grip on the ground, like when running or playing sports.

A spike can also refer to an animal or a famous structure.

• In the animal world, a "spike" can be a young male deer or a male elk. This name often refers to their first antlers, which might look like simple spikes.
• The Spire of Dublin is a very tall, needle-like monument in Dublin, Ireland, built in 2003. Many people call it "The Spike" because of its shape.

Spike in Technology and Science

The word "spike" is also used in technology and science.

• A voltage spike is a sudden, very short increase in electrical power. This is also known as an electrical surge.
• In biology, a nerve impulse is sometimes called a spike. This is how signals travel along nerve cells in your body.
• In plants, a spike is a type of flower arrangement where many small flowers grow directly on a long, unbranched stem.

Spike in Media and Entertainment

You might find the word "Spike" in the titles of books, movies, and music.

• The Spike is a 1980 novel.
• Spike of Bensonhurst is a movie from 1988.
• Spike (Elvis Costello album) is a music album released in 1989 by Elvis Costello.
• Spike (Puffy AmiYumi album) is another music album, released in 2001 by Puffy AmiYumi.

Famous People Named Spike

Many famous people have been known by the name Spike.

• Spike Lee is a well-known filmmaker who has directed many movies.
• Spike Jonze is another famous filmmaker.
• Spike Jones was a musician known for his funny, satirical music.
• Spike Milligan was a comedian and writer.
• Spike Robinson was a talented jazz musician.
• Spike Slawson is a singer and bassist in punk rock bands.
• Matt Hyson, also known as Spike Dudley, was a professional wrestler.
• Spike Feresten is a television writer and talk show host.

Fictional Characters Named Spike

The name Spike is also popular for characters in stories, movies, and video games.

• Spike is a main character in the Ape Escape video game series.
• Spike Spiegel is a character from the Japanese anime series Cowboy Bebop.
• Spike (Buffyverse) is a vampire character from the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
• Spike was Fonzie's cousin in the TV show Happy Days.
• Christine "Spike" Nelson is a character in the Degrassi TV series.
• Spike (The Land Before Time) is a young stegosaurus dinosaur in The Land Before Time film series.
• Spike is a character in the Super Mario Bros. 3 video game who throws spiked balls.
• Spike is a boss character in the Spyro: Year of the Dragon video game.
• Spike Witwicky is a character from the Transformers TV cartoon series.
• Spike is a porcupine from the movie Over the Hedge.

Cartoon Dogs Named Spike

Several famous cartoon dogs are named Spike!

• Spike (Peanuts) is Snoopy's brother in the Peanuts comic strip.
• Spike (Tom and Jerry) is a bulldog who is often a rival to Tom the cat in the Tom and Jerry cartoons.
• Spike the Bulldog and his friend Chester the Terrier appeared in Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons.
• Spike is the family pet in the cartoon series Rugrats.
• Spike is a bulldog who is often the rival of Heathcliff the cat in the Heathcliff comic strip and animated series.
• Spike is also a bulldog who is often a rival to Droopy Dog in Droopy Dog cartoons.

Spike in Sports

In sports, "spike" can refer to specific actions.

• In volleyball, a spike is a powerful offensive hit where a player jumps and hits the ball over the net with force.
• In American football, spiking the ball means throwing it forcefully into the ground after a play. This is often done to stop the clock.
• In track and field or cross country running, "spiking" an opponent means accidentally kicking them with the metal spikes on the bottom of a running shoe.