noun
bird
A raised middle finger used as an obscene gesture.
The angry driver gives the other motorist the bird.
Etymology
The gesture belongs with slang give the bird, expressing ridicule or rejection. Its precise history is uncertain, not a literal resemblance to a bird.
More examples
- He was warned after flipping the bird at a spectator.
- She regretted giving the bird to the passing bus.
- The player was fined for showing the crowd the bird.
Forms
bird · birds
Similar words
- middle finger
- Names the raised finger rather than the insulting gesture as a whole.