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Jay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jay

[dʒeɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird type

A jay is a type of bird that belongs to the family Corvidae, which also includes crows and ravens. Jays are known for their vibrant plumage and intelligence. They are often found in wooded habitats and are known for their ability to mimic sounds from their environment. Some species of jays are also known for their habit of storing food for later consumption.

Synonyms

bird, corvid, songbird.

Examples of usage

  • The blue jay is commonly found in North America.
  • In the forest, the jay chirped melodiously.
  • We spotted a jay while hiking in the mountains.
Context #2 | Noun

informal term

In informal English, 'jay' can also refer to a person who is silly or careless. This usage derives from the bird's perceived foolish behavior. The term has been used historically to describe people who are not very intelligent or are naive.

Synonyms

dunce, fool, simpleton.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be a jay; think before you act.
  • She felt like a jay for trusting him blindly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Jays belong to the Corvidae family, which includes intelligent birds like crows and ravens.
  • These birds are known for their stunning blue feathers and strong social behavior, often seen in family groups.

Behavior

  • Jays are known for their mimicking abilities, imitating the calls of other birds and even animal sounds.
  • They are often seen storing food for later, showing their understanding of the concept of future planning.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, jays symbolize protection and intelligence, frequently appearing in folklore and stories.
  • Some Native American tribes believe that jays are messengers, carrying important news between the living and the spirit world.

Pop Culture

  • Jays appear in many children's books and animations as playful, mischievous characters.
  • Famous cartoon characters like Jay from 'Jay and Silent Bob' are named to invoke the image of a cheeky personality.

Origin of 'jay'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jay' comes from the Latin word 'gaius', meaning 'a chattering bird'.
  • In old English, the term referred to a bird that was noisy and often mischievous.

The word 'jay' originates from Middle English 'jaie', which is derived from the Old French term 'jaïe'. This, in turn, is believed to have come from the Latin word 'gaius', signifying a bird known for its joyful calls. In English, the term has been used since the 14th century to describe the bird. The playful and often raucous nature of jays has contributed to their association with silliness in informal context. Over the centuries, the definition of 'jay' has evolved, but the core association with the bird and its lively personality remains prevalent.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,208, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.