Noun
/waɪt ˈfɛðər/
The term "white feather" primarily refers to a feather that is white in color. However, culturally and idiomatically, it has a more significant meaning. Traditionally, a white feather is often seen as a symbol of cowardice or a call-out for someone who has shown fear or unwillingness to confront danger, especially in the context of military service. The usage of the term is relatively infrequent in everyday language and is more commonly found in written texts, literature, and historical contexts.
Example Sentences:
1. He received a white feather from his peers as a sign of their disappointment in his decision to avoid military service.
Él recibió una pluma blanca de sus compañeros como señal de decepción por su decisión de evitar el servicio militar.
In some cultures, being given a white feather symbolizes that someone believes you have not faced your fears.
En algunas culturas, recibir una pluma blanca simboliza que alguien cree que no has enfrentado tus miedos.
The white feather was a reminder of societal expectations during wartime, pushing men to prove their bravery.
La pluma blanca era un recordatorio de las expectativas sociales durante la guerra, empujando a los hombres a demostrar su valentía.
The expression "white feather" often appears in idioms related to bravery and cowardice. Here are a few examples:
To show the white feather: This phrase means to demonstrate cowardice.
Muestra la pluma blanca si no te atreves a enfrentarlo.
(Show the white feather if you don't dare to face it.)
Caught with a white feather: This expression refers to someone having been exposed as a coward.
Fue atrapado con una pluma blanca cuando evitó pelear en la guerra.
(He was caught with a white feather when he avoided fighting in the war.)
White feather syndrome: This term is used to describe a broader societal pattern of shaming individuals for not conforming to certain expectations of bravery.
La sociedad a veces sufre del síndrome de la pluma blanca, condenando a quienes no se alinean con sus expectativas.
(Society sometimes suffers from white feather syndrome, condemning those who do not align with its expectations.)
The phrase "white feather" has roots in early 19th century Britain, commonly associated with the military during the time of world wars. It symbolized that a man who did not enlist or participate in battle was, in essence, admitting his fear. The idea behind giving a white feather was to shame the person into proving their bravery.
Synonyms:
- Cowardice (when referring to the metaphorical meaning)
- Fearfulness
Antonyms:
- Bravery
- Courage
- Valor