Popinjay: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
popinjay
[ หpษpษชnหdสeษช ]
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 oneโs 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:
๐ต๐น papagaio
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคกเคฌเฅเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Papperlapapp
๐ฎ๐ฉ pencitraan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะฐะฟัะณะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ papuga
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใณใธใฃใค
๐ซ๐ท perroquet
๐ช๐ธ loro
๐น๐ท papagan
๐ฐ๐ท ์ต๋ฌด์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุจุบุงุก
๐จ๐ฟ papouลกek
๐ธ๐ฐ papagรกj
๐จ๐ณ ้นฆ้น
๐ธ๐ฎ papiga
๐ฎ๐ธ papagรณi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะฐะฟะฐาะฐะน
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฃแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ papaฤan
๐ฒ๐ฝ loro
Word origin
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.