buzzard
B2The ornithological sense is neutral/formal. The informal insult sense is colloquial, informal, sometimes humorous.
Definition
Meaning
A large bird of prey belonging to the genus Buteo, characterized by broad wings and soaring flight; also refers to a greedy or contemptible person.
Primarily refers to two distinct categories: 1) In ornithology, various species of medium-to-large hawks, especially in the Buteo genus (common buzzard, honey buzzard). 2) Informally, often as an insult meaning a foolish, greedy, or mean-spirited person (chiefly US) or an old, cantankerous person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The ornithological meaning is dominant in British English. The informal/insult meaning is more common in American English, though not universal. Can cause confusion in transatlantic communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Almost exclusively refers to the bird of prey (Buteo buteo). US: Can refer to the bird (especially the turkey vulture, colloquially called a 'turkey buzzard') but also commonly used as a mild insult for a disagreeable person.
Connotations
UK: Neutral/scientific (bird), positive in birdwatching contexts. US: Often negative when referring to a person (greedy, foolish). The bird reference can be neutral or slightly negative (carrion-eater).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to common bird name. In US English, the insult sense is familiar but not extremely common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He's a [adjective] buzzard.A buzzard was [verb-ing] overhead.They called him a buzzard for [reason].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As hungry as a buzzard”
- “Buzzard's luck (bad luck, finding only carcasses)”
- “Eye someone like a buzzard (to watch greedily)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'That buzzard from accounting claimed all the budget surplus.'
Academic
Common in biology/ornithology texts. Rare elsewhere.
Everyday
UK: 'Look, a buzzard is circling over the field.' US (insult): 'Don't be such a buzzard, let someone else have a turn.'
Technical
Strictly ornithological, with species names (e.g., 'the Eurasian common buzzard').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The common buzzard is a frequent sight in the British countryside.
- We spotted a buzzard perched on the fence post.
American English
- That old buzzard next door yelled at us for stepping on his lawn.
- A turkey buzzard was feeding on the roadkill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I see a big bird. Is it a buzzard?
- The buzzard flies high.
- A buzzard was circling above the hill, looking for prey.
- In the film, the cowboy called the greedy man a buzzard.
- Despite its fierce appearance, the common buzzard primarily feeds on small mammals and earthworms.
- He's turned into a real old buzzard, complaining about everything the young people do.
- The zoologist differentiated the migratory honey buzzard from the resident common buzzard by its slender head and dietary specialisation.
- The character was portrayed not as a villain, but as a pathetic buzzard clinging to his dwindling wealth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BUZZard BUZZes around dead things (like a vulture) or BUZZes with annoying, greedy energy (like a nasty person).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DISAGREEABLE PERSON IS A SCAVENGING BIRD (US). A LARGE PREDATOR IS A PATIENT SOARER (UK).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with Russian 'бизaard' (bison).
- In Russian, 'канюк' refers to the bird but also means 'a person who whines' – a related but different connotation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'buzzard' to mean any large bird (eagle, vulture).
- Using the insult sense in formal UK contexts.
- Spelling: 'bussard', 'buzard'.
Practice
Quiz
Which description best fits the primary British English meaning of 'buzzard'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not in scientific terms. 'Turkey buzzard' is a colloquial American name for the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), a New World vulture, not a true buzzard (Buteo).
It would likely be misunderstood. In the UK, the word strongly evokes the bird. Use 'miser' or 'old grouch' instead for the person.
In North American terminology, 'hawk' is broad, encompassing many birds of prey. 'Buzzard' colloquially refers to vultures. In the rest of the world, 'buzzard' refers to specific types of hawks in the Buteo genus (broad-winged 'soaring hawks').
It is formal and standard when used in its ornithological sense. The insult sense is informal and colloquial.