Birdbrained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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birdbrained
[หbษrdหbreษชnd ]
Definition
insulting term
The term 'birdbrained' refers to someone who is perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense. It is often used in a derogatory manner to suggest that a person is foolish or scatterbrained. This term can imply that the individual makes careless mistakes or displays a lack of forethought in their actions. In essence, calling someone 'birdbrained' equates them with being as silly or forgetful as a bird, which is often stereotypically viewed as having a short memory. While not a formal term in the dictionary, it has become widely recognized in colloquial speech.
Synonyms
dim-witted, dumb, foolish, irrational, scatterbrained.
Examples of usage
- Don't be so birdbrained and forget the keys again!
- She made a birdbrained decision by not studying for the exam.
- His birdbrained comments during the meeting surprised everyone.
Translations
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Origin of 'birdbrained'
The term 'birdbrained' originates from the early 20th century, combining the noun 'bird' with the adjective 'brained'. The use of 'bird' in this context likely stems from culturally ingrained stereotypes about birds, particularly small species like sparrows or finches, which are often considered to have minimal cognitive abilities. The idea of 'brains' in this phrase plays on the metaphorical weight assigned to intelligence, suggesting those with small, less complex brains are similarly lacking in thoughtfulness or reason. Over time, the term has been popularized in American English, typically used in informal settings to criticize someone's intelligence or decision-making. As it embedded itself into conversational language, 'birdbrained' became a shorthand for denoting someone acting irrationally or thoughtlessly, emphasizing the cultural association between avian creatures and perceived foolishness.