Pronunciation: [tˈɜːkɪ kˈɒk] (IPA) 
The word "turkey cock" refers to a male turkey, also known as a tom turkey. The spelling of this word can be explained phonetically as /ˈtɜːr.ki kɒk/ where the stressed syllable is 'tur' and the stress is on the first syllable. The 'e' in 'turkey' is pronounced as an open-mid vowel while 'cock' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound. This word is commonly used during the Thanksgiving season when turkey is a popular dish.
turkey cock is a noun that refers to the male turkey, specifically the adult turkey that is known for its flamboyant and extravagant physical characteristics. The term is primarily used colloquially and particularly in British English.
Turkey cocks are often recognized for their large size and conspicuous features, such as their vividly colored feathers. They exhibit a distinctive red fleshy wattle that protrudes from the base of their beaks, giving them a distinct appearance. These wattles are used by male turkeys during courtship rituals to attract females.
Additionally, turkey cocks possess a remarkable tail that fans out into an impressive display of iridescent plumage. This tail, known as the "turkey fan," is frequently showcased during elaborate courtship dances called "strutting." The male turkey erects his tail feathers and fans them out to impress potential mates and establish dominance among other males.
The term "turkey cock" is also used more broadly to refer to a boastful or conceited person, drawing a metaphorical connection to the display behaviors of male turkeys. This secondary definition emphasizes the notion of arrogance and exaggerated self-importance.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that "turkey cock" is synonymous with the term "tom turkey," which is more commonly used in American English, although variations might exist in their usage and connotations based on regional preferences.
The word "turkey cock" derives from the combination of "turkey" and "cock".
The term "turkey" originally referred to a bird native to North America, the wild turkey, discovered by European explorers. It was first introduced to English as "turkaye" in the mid-16th century, as it was erroneously believed to come from Turkey. The name was likely influenced by the mistaken association with the country Turkey due to the fowl's arrival during trading routes that passed through the Ottoman Empire.
On the other hand, "cock" is a term meaning a rooster or male bird, which has been in usage for centuries. It is derived from Old English "coc", related to Old Norse "kokkr" and Middle Low German "kok". This term may have originated from the sound made by a rooster, representing its crowing.
