How Do You Spell WHITE FEATHER?

Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪt fˈɛðə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "white feather" can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. In this transcription system, "white" is spelled /waɪt/ which represents the sounds of "w" (a voiced labial-velar approximant) followed by "ai" (a diphthong consisting of the sounds /a/ and /ɪ/) and ending with the sound of "t" (a voiceless alveolar stop). Similarly, "feather" is spelled /ˈfeðər/ which represents the sounds of "f" (a voiceless labiodental fricative) followed by "e" (a mid-front vowel), then "th" (a voiced dental fricative), "er" (a schwa sound), and finishing with the sound of "r" (a voiced alveolar trill or tap).

WHITE FEATHER Meaning and Definition

1. White feather is a term that represents a symbol of cowardice or submission. It refers to the action of presenting someone with a white feather, often as a sign of disapproval, scorn, or humiliation. The term originated during World War I, particularly in Britain, where it gained prominence as a derogatory gesture towards men who were judged as lacking bravery for not enlisting in the military.

   This act gained significance as a widespread expression to shame those who were considered to be shirking their patriotic duty to fight for their country. In this context, a white feather was seen as a visual representation of the perceived lack of courage or an act of fleeing responsibility. This social pressure often emanated from women who handed out white feathers to men not in uniform, symbolizing their disappointment and questioning their masculinity.

   Over time, however, the meaning of a white feather has evolved to encompass broader ideas of cowardice or betrayal. It can be used metaphorically to criticize individuals who are perceived as lacking bravery or succumbing to pressure, regardless of the context. It continues to be associated with notions of weakness, passivity, or surrender.

   The term "white feather" serves as a reminder of the World War I era and the societal norms surrounding patriotism and duty, while also carrying the enduring connotation of cowardice in contemporary usage.

Common Misspellings for WHITE FEATHER

• qhite feather
• ahite feather
• shite feather
• ehite feather
• 3hite feather
• 2hite feather
• wgite feather
• wbite feather
• wnite feather
• wjite feather
• wuite feather
• wyite feather
• whute feather
• whjte feather
• whkte feather
• whote feather
• wh9te feather
• wh8te feather
• whire feather

Etymology of WHITE FEATHER

The term "white feather" has its origins in English and can be traced back to the early 1900s. It is believed to have originated during the First World War in the context of military conscription. A white feather was a symbol of cowardice and was given to men who were seen as shirking their duty to serve in the armed forces.

The use of white feathers as a symbol of cowardice can be traced back to earlier times as well. In some cultures, white feathers were associated with purity and innocence. However, during the war, they were turned into a negative symbol. Women belonging to organizations such as the Order of the White Feather would hand out white feathers to men who were not wearing military uniforms, implying that they were afraid to enlist.

The term "white feather" came to be used metaphorically to describe someone who was considered a coward or lacked bravery in various contexts beyond the war.

Idioms with the word WHITE FEATHER

• show the white feather The idiom "show the white feather" means to display cowardice or an unwillingness to fight or confront a challenge or danger. It originates from cockfighting, where a white feather in a gamecock's tail was considered a sign of weakness, implying that the bird was likely to lose the fight.

Similar spelling words for WHITE FEATHER

• white vitriol,
• white bead.