poll parrot
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A tame parrot: A parrot that is domesticated, trained, or kept as a pet, often noted for its ability to mimic human speech.
Usage
- The term "poll parrot" is an archaic or dialectal variant of the more common modern term "poll parrot" or simply "parrot" when referring to a tame, talking bird. It is used to specifically denote a parrot that is not wild but is accustomed to human company.
Examples
- Noun:
- The old sailor's only companion was a garrulous poll parrot. (The old sailor's only companion was a talkative tame parrot.)
- She taught her poll parrot to greet visitors. (She taught her tame parrot to greet visitors.)
Advanced Usage
- The term can sometimes be used figuratively to describe a person who repeats words or ideas without understanding them, much like the bird's mimicry. However, this figurative sense is more commonly associated with the word "parrot" itself.
- He was no original thinker, just a poll parrot of the party's slogans. (He was no original thinker, just a mindless repeater of the party's slogans.)
Variants and Related Words
- Parrot (n): The standard modern term for birds of the family Psittacidae, especially those known for bright colors and mimicry. A "tame parrot" is equivalent to a "poll parrot."
- Poll (n, archaic): An old term for the head, especially the top or crown, or for a person or individual. In "poll parrot," it may relate to the bird's head or be a corruption of "Polly," a common name for parrots.
Synonyms
- Tame parrot: A domesticated parrot.
- Pet parrot: A parrot kept as a companion animal.
- Mimic bird: A bird that imitates sounds (though this is a broader category).
Related Phrases
- To parrot (v): To repeat or imitate someone's words or actions mechanically.
- The student could only parrot the textbook answers. (The student could only repeat the textbook answers without understanding.)
Related Idioms
- Sick as a parrot: (Chiefly British, informal) Extremely disappointed or upset.
- He was sick as a parrot after his team lost the final. (He was extremely disappointed after his team lost the final.) Note: This idiom uses "parrot," not specifically "poll parrot."