Well-read · Humour & insults · Character
Popinjay: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Popinjay noun. A vain, overdressed person who chatters conceitedly.
How to say it
POP-in-jay/ˈpɒpɪndʒeɪ/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (POP).
Popinjay in a sentence
In his velvet cape and gold rings, the new manager looked every inch the popinjay.
The play's villain is a popinjay more concerned with his wig than his kingdom.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- dandy
- fop
- peacock
- coxcomb
Where popinjay comes from
An old word for a parrot, from Old French papegay, ultimately from Arabic.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The play's villain is a _____ more concerned with his wig than his kingdom.
- popinjay
- parody
- lickspittle
Show the answer
popinjay: The play's villain is a popinjay more concerned with his wig than his kingdom.