The phrase "for birds" is spelled as /fɔr bɜrdz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound, /f/, is the voiceless labiodental fricative sound. The second sound, /ɔr/, is a diphthong with the starting sound being the open-mid back rounded vowel /ɔ/ and the ending sound being the rhotic consonant /r/. The third sound, /b/, is a voiced bilabial plosive. The fourth sound, /ɜ/, is an open-mid central unrounded vowel. The final sound, /rdz/, is a combination of the voiced alveolar approximant /r/ and the voiced postalveolar fricative /dz/.
"For birds" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something as unimportant, trivial, or worthless. The phrase originates from the comparison between birds and humans. Birds, known for their often aimless flight and lack of substantial purpose, symbolize insignificance or frivolity when applied metaphorically to people or matters.
The term is commonly used in casual conversations or informal settings to dismiss or belittle something without much value or significance. It implies that the subject matter being referred to is not worth one's time, attention, or consideration. It suggests that the matter lacks importance, relevance, or any meaningful purpose.
The phrase can be applied to various contexts, such as hobbies, activities, ideas, or opinions, to express one's indifference or disapproval towards them. For instance, someone might say, "I find those trivial arguments about which superhero is better for birds," indicating that they consider such debates to be unimportant or insignificant.
The term "for birds" can also be used to convey boredom or dissatisfaction. For example, if someone is uninterested in a conversation or finds it tedious, they might say, "This topic is just for the birds," indicating their lack of engagement or enthusiasm.
Overall, the expression "for birds" is a colloquialism that conveys the notion of something being trivial, inconsequential, or without value, emphasizing a lack of importance or relevance.
The idiom "for the birds" comes from American slang and has its roots in horse racing. In the early 20th century, it was common to see birds pecking at the manure left by horses in the streets. Since birds were associated with scavenging and generally considered insignificant, the phrase "for the birds" began to be used to refer to something that was considered trivial, worthless, or unimportant. It eventually transitioned into idiomatic usage to describe something as meaningless or not worth one's attention or consideration.