where di the expression 'bird' used as a substitute for the word woman actually stem from...anyone know???
913718
As far as I know, the slang word goes right back to the Middle Ages, when a "burd" was a poetic name for a "lady". You can still read old ballads about "Burd Ellen".\n\nThe name was early on confused with the word "bride" as well as "bird" and has become one of the most common British slang terms.
375239
Because "man" and "woman" are originally of German origin, where plurals are often made by changing the ending to -en. English is a Germanic language, so we still retain some German rules for our spelling, especially of plurals (child > children) "Human," as the other writer indicated, is from Latin, so it follows the "regular" English rule for plurals, which is "add -s".
1004452
The phrase comes from a Norse (and then Middle English) verb that has been lost to us.  You might even trace the expression to the Greek verb "agein," which means "to lead," or maybe "agon," which is a contest.\n\nRegretably, it has nothing to do with eggs, egg products, or the laying of eggs.
732816
Times, they are a changing....\n\nMiss was used commonly up to about 20-30 years ago.  It was used to indicate "never been married".  It is used still by older women (typically 70+), and girls under the age of, say 20.  \n\nMs was "invented" in the 60s to create a salutation such as the "Mr." where marital status was not indicated by how a person was addressed.  It is not about "hiding it" or avoiding it, it is about addressing the person, and not if or who they were married to.  For example, up until the 60s women were addressed (commonly) as Mrs. John Smith, rather than by their own name.  Wierd - I know.  \n\nMany women opt to use one or the other, which is really the best part about the women's movement.  We have a choice.  :o)
1129650
Haha .... don't know really, but our daughter lives in Britain and she uses it very well now with a very "British" accent!!!\n\nThese links at least show that others are looking for its origin too!!   You never know what you'll learn by browsing YA!!!  I hope this helps.
671900
Many native american tribes believed that birds are from the spirit world.Perhaps a dead realitive was saying good morning or letting you know that they love you. I am sure it was good. How cocl was it?
57498
It is unlikely that your teacher is correct in asserting that there is a reason for using feminine terminology.  I can see no reason for this and research does not indicate it either.\n\nHowever, if I had to speculate, perhaps it has to do with the transmission of mitochondria from mother to daughter cells.  It is known that full organisms (like humans) only inherit mitochondrial DNA from their mothers.  However, this is only a best guess and I do not believe your question actually has a correct solution.\n\nGood luck with your genetics teacher.
1098453
it is a stolen metaphor from maya angelou, but it is not about black women, it's about women who have been abused\nthe caged bird sings because it's the only joy she has in her life\n"i know hwy the caged bird sings" is a good book, i would suggest it to anyone
884279
The original quote was made by someone called Irina Dunn and went\n\n"A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle" \n\nand was adapted from Vique's Law which states\n\n"Man needs religion like a fish needs a bicycle"
332535
Consider the source...the people that mis use this term, are followers...they have heard it wrong and used it wrong without knowing any better.  Those of us that are aware of the proper usage tend to lapse in respect for the speakers.  Regardless, I couldn't care less how they say it because I know the way it is meant, and enjoy correcting most!
634399
I have a dictionary of quotations and did a search on the web.  Although I found a song by that title, I think the saying has to do with the elaborate mating rituals of birds.  They have evolved plumage and rituals that are associated with finding a mate.  Perhaps spending time on these sorts of things is "for the birds"?
1154563
In a rare and recent televison interview "Hot Hollywood Birds Tell All", famous stunt parrot Candi Fluffer was noted to remark:\n\n"Flying just makes my breasts tired, and I don't like it!"\n\nWhether or not she spoke for the majority is anyone's guess...
104958
In American slang of the 19th Century, the term "bird" was applied to anything particularly great. "Bird" was the "cool" of the 1800s in the U.S.\n\nSo on the golf course, a great shot - one that led to an under-par score - came to be known as a "bird," which was then transformed into "birdie." The term birdie was in worldwide use by the 1910s, and it's believed it debuted in the U.S. in 1899.
159098
What an odd question. I mean the question iteslf is legitimate, but it's very oddly phrased.\n\nI don't understand how the term doctor is gender specific and why the example of manning a spaceship?\n\nBut as an answer, to the first question at any rate, no. Language is not sexist by definition, unless you're using a very strange definition of language. \n\nSo to the second question, which I have a bunch of other issues with. English doesn't favour men at all. Women are the ones who insist on new words when they become actors, waiters, aviators, etc. Don't even start me on the cretinism of the term bachelorette (which is just a moronym for spinster).
575414
'men descended from women'?\nHey, we are the same specie... no matter the sex. So men cannot 'descend' from women or vice-verse. And having both sexes is a condition that appeared way before humans existed.\nThe belief that women were created after men? we were not created after anything, specially not after men.
860306
Yes, it's just a 'cutesy' variation on 'wife'!\n\nA bit like turning the name 'Betty' into 'Bettywetty' or 'Bettikins'..!!\n\nUsed in private, it's probably just mildly annoying to the woman, but some men use the word 'wifey' as an insult to their own - or someone else's - wife, "Oi, mate! How's your wifey today, eh? Still giving your ears a bashing?? Eh??!"\n\nRemember, a 'wifey' is implied to be mentally inferior to a 'wife', so be careful how you use the word!
752639
I'm guessing there is a word missing there...\n\nHow : Just like any other woman, buy you'll need more money.\nWhere : All over the place\nWhy : I guess because you are a guy\nWhen : Any time