How Do You Spell DICKEY BIRD?

Pronunciation: [dˈɪkɪ bˈɜːd] (IPA)

The term "dickey bird" is a common phrase that means "little bird". It is spelled with two "k's" because it is derived from the Cockney rhyming slang phrase "dicky dirt", which means "shirt". Therefore, "dickey" is a variant spelling of "dicky" in this context. The phonetic transcription of "dickey bird" would be /ˈdɪki bɜːd/, with the stress on the first syllable of "dickey". Some variations of the spelling include "dicky bird" or "dickey-bird".

DICKEY BIRD Meaning and Definition

1. Dickey bird is a colloquial term that typically refers to a small bird, commonly known as a sparrow. The term "dickey" is used to describe something small and delicate, and "bird" refers to any feathered creature capable of flight. Thus, a dickey bird is often an endearing way to refer to a little bird or a small and delicate species.

   The specific species most often associated with the term is the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), a small, gray-brown bird with a chirping call commonly found in urban or suburban areas around the world. They are known for their adaptability to human environments, often building nests in buildings or scavenging for food in urban settings.

   The term dickey bird is also frequently used in nursery rhymes, children's songs, and literature, adding to its charming and affectionate quality. It is often employed to evoke imagery of innocence, simplicity, and the beauty of nature. The phrase is often used in a nostalgic or poetic sense, reminiscent of a simpler time or a carefree attitude towards life.

   Overall, dickey bird is a term used to describe small birds, particularly sparrows, emphasizing their delicate nature and lending a whimsical touch to discussions about these avian creatures.

Common Misspellings for DICKEY BIRD

• sickey bird
• xickey bird
• cickey bird
• fickey bird
• rickey bird
• eickey bird
• duckey bird
• djckey bird
• dkckey bird
• dockey bird
• d9ckey bird
• d8ckey bird
• dixkey bird
• divkey bird
• difkey bird
• didkey bird
• dicjey bird
• dicmey bird
• dicley bird
• dicoey bird

Etymology of DICKEY BIRD

The term dickey bird is a colloquialism that originated in Cockney rhyming slang, specifically in the East End of London. Cockney rhyming slang is a form of language play in which a word or phrase is substituted with a rhyming phrase, with the rhyming part often omitted. In the case of dickey bird, it is used to refer to a bird or voice, reflecting the rhyme with the word word.

The word dickey itself originated in 19th-century England as a term for a detachable shirtfront or a waist-length men's garment that was worn under a jacket or coat. Its usage in Cockney rhyming slang evolved to incorporate the meaning of word or voice and eventually gave birth to the term dickey bird.