budgie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, conversational
Quick answer
What does “budgie” mean?
A small, brightly coloured, long-tailed parakeet, popular as a pet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, brightly coloured, long-tailed parakeet, popular as a pet.
A small, inexpensive, or basic version of something; used colloquially, as in 'budgie computer' for a cheap, small computer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'budgie' is the standard, everyday term in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. American English tends to use the more formal term 'budgerigar' in writing but may use 'budgie' conversationally if familiar with the breed. The extended figurative meaning is more common in UK English.
Connotations
In the UK, associated with common pet ownership and has a slightly old-fashioned, homely feel. In the US, has a more exotic or specialist pet connotation.
Frequency
Far more frequent in UK English than US English, where 'parakeet' (for the broader category) is the default generic term.
Grammar
How to Use “budgie” in a Sentence
have/own a budgielet the budgie outa budgie named [name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “budgie” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He bought a budgie-blue shirt.
- It was a budgie-sized hard drive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ornithological contexts with the formal term 'budgerigar'.
Everyday
Common in conversation about pets.
Technical
Melopsittacus undulatus
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “budgie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “budgie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “budgie”
- Using 'budgie' to refer to large parrots like macaws.
- Spelling as 'budgy'.
- Assuming it is common in US English (less familiar).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A budgie (budgerigar) is a specific species of small, long-tailed parakeet. In the US, 'parakeet' is often used generically for similar birds, which can cause confusion.
It's a humorous, informal Australian and British term for tight-fitting men's swim briefs (Speedos), suggesting the wearer is smuggling a small bird.
No. The term 'budgerigar' should be used in formal or scientific contexts. 'Budgie' is strictly informal.
The bird is less common as a pet in the US, and the generic term 'parakeet' is more prevalent. 'Budgie' is known but considered a British/Australianism.
A small, brightly coloured, long-tailed parakeet, popular as a pet.
Budgie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌdʒ.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌdʒ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “budgie smugglers (humorous: tight men's swimwear)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A 'budgie' is a small, feathery BUDDY you keep in a cage.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL IS CUTE/INSIGNIFICANT (e.g., 'a budgie computer')
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'budgie' LEAST likely to be used in everyday conversation?