dickybird
Definition
Noun: 1. A small bird: A term, often used in a childish or affectionate manner, to refer to a small bird. It is frequently employed by adults when speaking to young children. 2. (Informal, dated) A word; a sound or note: In very informal or dated slang, it can refer to a single word or sound, as in the phrase "not a dickybird" meaning complete silence or no communication at all.
Examples
Noun (small bird):
- Look at the little dickybird on the fence!
- Can you hear the dickybird singing?
Noun (word/sound):
- I haven't heard a dickybird from him since he left. (Meaning: I haven't heard any news/communication from him.)
- She promised to call, but I haven't heard a dickybird.
Advanced Usage
- "Not a dickybird": An idiomatic expression meaning absolute silence or a complete lack of news or information.
- I asked him what happened, but I got not a dickybird.
- The suspect hasn't said a dickybird to the police.
Variants and Related Words
- Dickeybird: An alternative, equally common spelling of the word.
- Birdie: A more common modern diminutive for a small bird, especially with children.
Synonyms
- Birdie (for the "small bird" meaning)
- Tweetie (informal, childish)
- Peep (for a sound, informal)
- Word (for the "sound/note" meaning)
Related Idioms
- Not a dickybird: As detailed above, this is the primary idiom associated with this word, emphasizing a total absence of sound or communication.
Noun
-
small bird; adults talking to children sometimes use these words to refer to small birds
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