The term "dying quail" is often used in baseball to describe a weakly hit fly ball that drops into the outfield for a hit. Despite the spelling, the correct pronunciation of "quail" in this phrase is /kweɪl/. This is because the word is borrowed from the French "quaille" and is pronounced with a silent "u." The pronunciation of "dying" is straightforward, with the vowel sound represented by /aɪ/. So if you hear a broadcaster uttering "dying quail" during a game, you'll know how to spell it correctly.
Dying quail is a colloquial term used primarily in the sport of baseball to describe a batted ball that is hit with weak contact, often resulting in a soft, shallow fly ball or a looping line drive that falls just out of the reach of infielders but short of the outfielders.
The phrase "dying quail" derives from the visual imagery it evokes. It suggests the appearance of a wounded or dying bird (a quail, specifically) fluttering pathetically before it ultimately falls from the sky. Similarly, a dying quail in baseball describes a batted ball that lacks power and speed, suggesting its imminent descent to the playing field for an easy catch.
The term "dying quail" is commonly used to express disappointment or frustration, as it implies that the batter failed to make solid contact and generate a more authoritative hit. It connotes a lack of power and excitement, often resulting in an out rather than a hit for the batter.
Although the phrase may appear humorous and lighthearted when used casually, it carries a negative connotation in baseball, given that a dying quail is typically an undesirable outcome for the hitter. Baseball fans and commentators often employ the term to describe an unfortunate outcome rather than as a genuine reflection of the bird itself.
The term "dying quail" originated in baseball and refers to a softly hit, short fly ball that falls just beyond the reach of the infielders and in front of the outfielders. The etymology of the term comes from the idea that when a quail is fatally wounded by a hunter, it often falls from the sky in a slow, descending manner. The same concept is applied to the trajectory of the softly hit fly ball. The phrase likely became popular among baseball players and commentators due to its descriptive nature as well as its association with hunting and the sport of baseball.