Pecked: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originated from the Old English 'pæccan,' which means to strike or to rap.
• It was used in Middle English as 'pecken,' often referring to birds striking with their beaks.
• Similar words exist in other languages, such as the German 'pickt,' which also means to peck.

Animal Behavior

• Birds often peck to eat seeds, insects, or fruit, using their beaks like tools to access food.
• Different bird species have unique pecking styles; for instance, woodpeckers peck to drill into trees for insects.
• Pecking can also be a way for birds to communicate with each other, establishing territory or expressing aggression.

Literature

• Famous children's stories often illustrate birds pecking, symbolizing playfulness or curiosity.
• In poetry, pecking can represent small, persistent actions leading to greater results, similar to drops of water shaping stone.
• Writers have used pecking metaphorically to describe repeated efforts in daily life or the journey towards goals.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, the act of pecking can symbolize diligence or the gradual attainment of goals.
• Pecking is often associated with a nurturing aspect, as mother birds peck gently at their chicks’ beaks to feed them.
• Pecked patterns are common in traditional art, reflecting nature's influence on many creative expressions.

Modern Usage

• In contemporary slang, to 'peck' someone can mean to pinch or to lightly annoy, especially in a playful context.
• Pecked images have made their way into digital art, depicting pixelation or small, repetitive marks as a texture.
• In cooking, a 'peck' is also a measurement, showing how the word has multiple meanings despite its original context.

At rank #27,226, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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