The Spanish word 'petardo' (meaning 'firecracker') comes from the French word 'pétard', which meant the same thing. This French word was derived from the verb 'péter' meaning 'to break wind' or 'to explode'. The connection between these meanings is quite logical - both involve sudden explosive releases of energy and noise! The word evolved from describing a basic bodily function to referring to small explosive devices used for entertainment.

While 'petardo' itself is a relatively common Spanish word, there aren't many simpler or more common Spanish words that share its specific French etymology. However, Spanish speakers might recognize the sound-symbolic nature of the 'pet-' element in words relating to explosions or sudden noises.

While English borrowed many French words, 'pétard' maintained a relatively specialized usage in English. You might recognize it from Shakespeare's famous phrase 'hoist with his own petard' (from Hamlet), where 'petard' refers to a small explosive device used in warfare. Today, while the word 'petard' exists in English, it's quite rare and mostly encountered in this Shakespeare quote. However, English speakers might recognize the sound-symbolic quality of 'pet-' in words relating to explosions, similar to how words like 'pop' or 'bang' are onomatopoeic.