Popinjay: meaning, definitions and examples

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popinjay

 

[ หˆpษ’pษชnหŒdส’eษช ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

character traits

A popinjay is a person who is excessively concerned with their appearance and behavior, often to the point of being vain or boastful. The term historically implies a superficial quality that highlights oneโ€™s vanity and self-importance.

Synonyms

dandy, fop, peacock, show off, vain person

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as a popinjay, more interested in his looks than his work.
  • Her popinjay attitude made it difficult for others to take her seriously.
  • The popinjay strutted around, flaunting his designer clothes.
  • She was tired of the popinjays who frequented the parties, obsessed with status.
  • His popinjay behavior alienated him from his colleagues.

Translations

Translations of the word "popinjay" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น papagaio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคกเคฌเฅ‹เคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Papperlapapp

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pencitraan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐะฟัƒะณะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ papuga

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒ”ใƒณใ‚ธใƒฃใ‚ค

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท perroquet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ loro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท papagan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ต๋ฌด์ƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุจุบุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ papouลกek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ papagรกj

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้นฆ้น‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ papiga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ papagรณi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐะฟะฐา“ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒžแƒฃแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ papaฤŸan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ loro

Etymology

The word 'popinjay' has its origins in the Middle French term 'papegai,' which means 'parrot.' This term was used to describe someone who imitates the ostentatious nature and superficial qualities associated with a parrot, particularly in the way it mimics human behavior for attention. The English adaptation of the word began in the early 16th century, reflecting a sense of frivolity and vanity, linking it to people who are flamboyant and over-dramatic in their appearance or conduct. The evolution of the term underscores societal critiques of vanity through the ages, with its usage in literature often highlighting characters of excess and ostentation. Today, 'popinjay' serves as a reminder of the human tendency to prioritize appearance over substance, continuing to be utilized in discussions of character and behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,884, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.