Definition

1. Noun:
   • A crested, largely blue bird: A jay is a noisy, often brightly colored bird of the crow family, typically with a crest on its head. The most common type in Europe is the Eurasian jay, which has pinkish-brown plumage with blue and black wing patches.
   • A person who chatters impertinently: (Informal, dated) A person, especially a man, who talks in a foolish, impertinent, or showy way.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Bird):
  • A jay was squawking loudly in the oak tree.
  • We spotted the bright blue flash of a jay's wing in the forest.
• Noun (Person):
  • Don't listen to him; he's just an old jay. (This usage is now rare.)

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The word can be used attributively to describe things related to the bird.
  • We found a jay's feather on the path.
  • The jay population has increased in this area.

Variants and Related Words

• Jaybird (n): Another common name for a jay, often used in informal contexts.
  • He was naked as a jaybird. (This is a common simile in American English.)
• Blue jay (n): A specific, common North American species of jay with bright blue, white, and black plumage.
  • The blue jay is known for its loud, jeering calls.

Synonyms

• Chatterer: (For the informal meaning of a person) One who talks incessantly or foolishly.
• Scold: (For the bird, referencing its noisy call) One who noisily finds fault.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Naked as a jaybird: Completely naked.
  • The toddler ran out of the bathroom, naked as a jaybird.
• Drunk as a jaybird: (Slang) Very intoxicated.
  • After the party, he was drunk as a jaybird.

Notes on Different Meanings

The primary and most common meaning refers to the bird. The informal meaning referring to a foolish or talkative person is largely archaic but may be encountered in older literature. The capitalized form "Jay" is also a common given name.

Noun

1. crested largely blue bird
2. United States diplomat and jurist who negotiated peace treaties with Britain and served as the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1745-1829)