Give somebody/get the bird
verb phrase
To insult someone by showing a rude gesture.
He was so angry at the other driver that he gave him the bird.
Often appears as...
- give the bird to someone
- get the bird from someone
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To boo or hiss at a person or performance showing dislike or disapproval.
The audience was not impressed with the comedian's offensive jokes, so they gave him the bird.
Often appears as...
- give the bird to a performer
- get the bird at a performance
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb phrase
To insult someone by showing a rude gesture.
He was so angry at the other driver that he gave him the bird.
Often appears as...
- give the bird to someone
- get the bird from someone
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To boo or hiss at a person or performance showing dislike or disapproval.
The audience was not impressed with the comedian's offensive jokes, so they gave him the bird.
Often appears as...
- give the bird to a performer
- get the bird at a performance
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Insult
Used among friends as a joke or seriously to show strong disrespect or annoyance.
When I beat him in the game, he gave me the bird out of frustration.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid in Professional Settings
It's considered highly inappropriate in workplaces, formal occasions, and public settings.
Remember, giving the bird during the meeting can get you into serious trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3Could Incite Anger
This gesture might provoke a strong, negative response from the receiver.
She was calm until he gave her the bird, and then the argument escalated.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Insult
Used among friends as a joke or seriously to show strong disrespect or annoyance.
When I beat him in the game, he gave me the bird out of frustration.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid in Professional Settings
It's considered highly inappropriate in workplaces, formal occasions, and public settings.
Remember, giving the bird during the meeting can get you into serious trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3Could Incite Anger
This gesture might provoke a strong, negative response from the receiver.
She was calm until he gave her the bird, and then the argument escalated.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Insult
Used among friends as a joke or seriously to show strong disrespect or annoyance.
When I beat him in the game, he gave me the bird out of frustration.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid in Professional Settings
It's considered highly inappropriate in workplaces, formal occasions, and public settings.
Remember, giving the bird during the meeting can get you into serious trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3Could Incite Anger
This gesture might provoke a strong, negative response from the receiver.
She was calm until he gave her the bird, and then the argument escalated.
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