Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈkʊkuː/

Definitions

• A type of bird known for laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, especially in Europe and North America.
• A sound made by the cuckoo bird, often used metaphorically to represent a repetitive or simplistic sound.
• A term used to describe something that is considered out of place, eccentric, or unusual.
• A verb meaning to act like or imitate the sound of a cuckoo, particularly in reference to repeating something in a monotonous or predictable manner.

Usage Examples

• The cuckoo laid its egg in the robin's nest.
• The cuckoo's call echoed through the forest at dawn.
• She gave a little cuckoo laugh as she told the story.
• Some people think it's foolish to go along with a cuckoo idea without considering the consequences.

Etymology

The word "cuckoo" is derived from the Middle English "cokow," from the Old French "cucu," and from the Latin "cuculus." The name is thought to imitate the bird's characteristic call. The word has been used to describe the bird for centuries and carries connotations of repetitiveness, often linked to the sound of its call.

Synonyms

• Chirp
• Call
• Birdsong
• Repetition

Antonyms

• Silence
• Stillness
• Quiet

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the word "cuckoo" is pronounced more sharply as /ˈkʊkʊ/.
• In American English, the pronunciation tends to be softer, especially when imitating the bird's call, sounding like /ˈkʊkʊː/.
• In French, "coucou" is pronounced with a soft 'u,' which sounds like /kuˈkuː/.

Historical Usage

The cuckoo has been known to humans for centuries. It is often mentioned in literature, where it is used symbolically to represent foolishness, repetition, or something out of place. In older times, the cuckoo was considered an omen or harbinger of change. It has also been linked to the change of seasons, as the bird is one of the first to return in the spring.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the cuckoo has both positive and negative connotations. In some European traditions, the cuckoo's song is associated with spring and renewal. In others, the bird's habit of laying eggs in other birds' nests (known as "brood parasitism") has made it a symbol of deceit or trickery. In more modern times, the word "cuckoo" has been adopted as a metaphor for someone who behaves eccentrically or irrationally.

More Information

The cuckoo's influence on language and culture is far-reaching. The bird’s call, often one of the first sounds heard in spring, has inspired a range of meanings across different societies. The concept of "cuckooing," in modern usage, refers to an action that is repetitive and often tedious, much like the call of the cuckoo. In some subcultures, the cuckoo bird is also tied to ideas of freedom and unpredictability, as it is known for its migratory habits and its role in the changing of seasons.