How Do You Spell DUNGHILL COCK?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌŋhɪl kˈɒk] (IPA)

"Dunghill cock" is a phrase used to refer to a domestic rooster, though the spelling may seem odd to some. The word "dunghill" is spelled like it sounds, with the 'd' and 'h' sounds separated by a short 'u', and the 'g' and 'h' sounds together in the middle. The word "cock" is spelled with the 'o' sound pronounced like the 'aw' in "law," and the 'c' and 'k' sounds at the end. Together, the phrase is pronounced like "DUNG-hill kawk."

DUNGHILL COCK Meaning and Definition

1. Dunghill cock is an archaic or dialectal term used to describe a male chicken, commonly known as a rooster, that resides or has a connection with a dunghill. A dunghill refers to a mound or pile of excrement, organic waste, and other decomposing materials, typically found in a farm or a rural setting.

   The term "dunghill cock" may possess derogatory undertones and is often used metaphorically to describe someone with low moral character, a coward, or an individual of insignificant status. It implies a comparison between the rooster that scrounges and resides amidst waste and someone who is considered contemptible or worthless. This derogatory connotation has its roots in the association of the dunghill, a symbol of filth and degradation, with the person being referred to.

   Historically, "dunghill cock" has also been used poetically or figuratively in literary works to symbolize a figure of insignificance or as a metaphor for weakness, often contrasting with the valor and bravery associated with other bird species, such as the eagle or the lion. In this sense, it represents the antithesis of nobility or grandeur.

   While the term "dunghill cock" may not be commonly used in contemporary language, it carries historical significance and contributes to understanding the evolution of language and its usage over time.

Common Misspellings for DUNGHILL COCK

• sunghill cock
• xunghill cock
• cunghill cock
• funghill cock
• runghill cock
• eunghill cock
• dynghill cock
• dhnghill cock
• djnghill cock
• dinghill cock
• d8nghill cock
• d7nghill cock
• dubghill cock
• dumghill cock
• dujghill cock
• duhghill cock
• dunfhill cock
• dunvhill cock
• dunbhill cock
• dunhhill cock

Etymology of DUNGHILL COCK

The term "dunghill cock" has its origin in Old English.

The word "dunghill" comes from the Old English word "dunghyll", where "dung" means excrement and "hyll" means hill or heap. So, literally, it refers to a pile or mound of excrement.

"Cock" is derived from the Old English word "coc", which means a male bird, specifically a rooster. "Cock" was used to refer to a male of various animal species, including roosters.

Therefore, the compound term "dunghill cock" specifically refers to a rooster or male bird found in or near a pile of excrement. It is often used figuratively to insult or demean someone by comparing them to a dirty or undesirable situation.

Plural form of DUNGHILL COCK is DUNGHILL COCKS