A crocoile clip (or spring clip) is a temporary electrical connector, named for its resemblance to a crocodile's jaws. Functioning much like a spring-loaded clothespin, the clip's two tapered, serrated jaws are forced together by a spring to make them grip a metal object. One of the jaws usually has either a wire permanently attached or a banana plug inserted into it, for connection to an electrical circuit. The clip may be partly covered by a plastic shroud or "boot" to prevent accidental short-circuits.