A peacock is a large male bird with bright blue and green feathers and a long, colorful tail that it can spread out like a fan. The word is often used to describe someone who shows off their looks or achievements.
“Peacock” joins “pea” (from Middle English *po*, related to Latin *pavo*, “peafowl”) with “cock,” meaning male bird. It originally referred only to the male, while “peahen” names the female.
The male peacock’s huge tail is actually a survival risk, but evolution has kept it because females prefer it—a dramatic example of beauty beating practicality. The word’s second meaning, for a show-off person, copies that same idea. Sometimes, attention is worth the extra weight.
“Peacock” literally refers to the male bird, but it has been metaphorically applied to people—often men—to describe showy dress or behavior. It can reinforce stereotypes about vanity tied to gender expression.
Use “peacock” literally for the animal, and be cautious with metaphorical use that mocks people’s appearance or gender expression. If used figuratively, avoid targeting marginalized gender presentations.
["show off","flashy dresser","attention-seeker"]
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