yardbird
See also: yard bird
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From yard + bird. Attested since 1956 in the sense of ‘convict,’ derived from the idea of prison yards. During World War II, it meant ‘basic trainee’ among the armed forces.[1]
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈjɑːd.bəːd/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈjɑɹd.bɝd/
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
yardbird (plural yardbirds)
- (chiefly US, slang) A chicken.
- (chiefly US, slang) A person who is imprisoned.
- 1985, John P. Conrad, "Charting a Course for Imprisonment Policy," Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 478, p. 126:
- The working convict is a rare exception, sometimes envied because his time is occupied, sometimes derided for his deviance from the yardbird norm.
- 1985, John P. Conrad, "Charting a Course for Imprisonment Policy," Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 478, p. 126:
- (chiefly US, slang) A soldier who is required to perform menial work on the grounds of a military base.
- 1943, "In the Rough," Time, 5 Jul.:
- As the Marines expanded to war strength, Lou Diamond was the ideal liaison between crusty old-timers and impressionable recruits. He taught quick action by threats of yardbird detail.
- 1943, "In the Rough," Time, 5 Jul.:
Translations
person who is imprisoned
|
soldier required to do menial work
|
References
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “yardbird”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.