papegay (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Papegay is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/pæpɪˈɡeɪ/

Meaning and Usage

The term "papegay" is an archaic word that generally refers to a parrot. It originates from Middle English and is predominantly used in historical or literary contexts, rather than in everyday conversation today. Its frequency of use in contemporary English is extremely low, making it more common in written texts, particularly in literature or poetry.

Example Sentences

1. The colorful papegay perched gracefully on the branch of the tree.

2. (El colorido papegay se posó con gracia en la rama del árbol.)

3. In the story, the pirate's companion was a wise old papegay that spoke in riddles.

4. (En la historia, el compañero del pirata era un sabio papegay que hablaba en acertijos.)

5. They decided to name their new pet papegay Max because of its vibrant feathers.

6. (Decidieron llamar a su nueva mascota papegay Max por sus plumas vibrantes.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "papegay" does not commonly appear in modern idiomatic expressions, the word "parrot," which it relates to, is frequently used in various English idioms. Here are a few expressions that include "parrot":

1. "To parrot someone's words" - to repeat what someone else has said without understanding it.
2. (Repetir las palabras de alguien sin comprenderlas.)
3. Example: He tends to parrot someone's words in meetings without adding any original thoughts.

4. (Tiende a repetir las palabras de alguien en las reuniones sin aportar pensamientos originales.)

5. "A parrot fashion" - to do something in a mechanical way without thinking about it.

6. (Hacer algo de manera mecánica sin pensar en ello.)
7. Example: She learned the dance a parrot fashion, merely copying the moves of the instructor.

8. (Aprendió el baile de manera mecánica, simplemente copiando los movimientos del instructor.)

9. "As sick as a parrot" - a British phrase meaning incredibly disappointed or upset.

10. (Increíblemente decepcionado o molesto.)
11. Example: He was as sick as a parrot after losing the championship game.
12. (Estaba increíblemente decepcionado después de perder el juego del campeonato.)

Etymology

The term "papegay" comes from the Middle English word "papegai," which itself derives from the Old French "papegai" and ultimately from the Latin "papilio," meaning butterfly, likely referring to the colorful appearance of parrots.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Parrot, macaw, cockatoo, parakeet (in certain contexts).
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, but if considering other birds, terms like "sparrow" or "pigeon" may serve as contrasting examples in conversation.