feather duster
Low-MediumInformal, everyday, domestic
Definition
Meaning
A cleaning tool consisting of a bundle of natural or synthetic feathers (often ostrich feathers) attached to a handle, used for removing dust from surfaces by brushing.
Occasionally used to refer to a lightweight, fluffy object or person, or metaphorically to describe something that sweeps away trivialities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a hyponym of 'duster' or 'cleaning tool'. The compound nature is transparent ('duster made of feathers'). The focus is on the tool's physical form and function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The tool is known and named identically. Minor variations in typical handle materials or feather types are not reflected in the term itself.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties: connotes traditional, light-duty, or delicate dusting, often contrasted with modern electrostatic or microfiber dusters.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English, correlating with a stronger historical association with domestic servants ('the maid with a feather duster'), though the term is standard in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + dust + [Object] + with + a feather duster.[Subject] + use + a feather duster + to + verb (clean/dust).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Light as a feather duster" (informal, non-standard play on 'light as a feather')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused. May appear in retail (homeware) contexts.
Academic
Unused outside historical or sociological studies of domestic labour.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in domestic cleaning conversations and instructions.
Technical
Unused in high-tech fields. May appear in professional cleaning catalogues specifying tool types.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She gave the ornaments a quick feather-dusting.
American English
- He feather-dusted the shelves before the guests arrived.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I use a feather duster to clean my desk.
- The feather duster is in the cupboard.
- For delicate items, a feather duster is better than a cloth.
- She bought a new feather duster with a long handle.
- The antique clock was so fragile that only a light pass with a feather duster was advisable.
- He humorously suggested using a feather duster to tackle the bureaucracy, implying a superficial clean.
- The depiction of the maid, armed with nothing but a feather duster and resolve, became a symbol of inefficient domestic management in the sociological study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large, fluffy FEATHER from a bird being used to DUST a surface - the core function and material combined.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS SWEEPING AWAY (the unwanted); DELICACY IS LIGHTNESS (of touch).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as "перьевая пыль" (feather dust) or "пыльное перо" (dusty feather). The correct conceptual equivalent is "перьевая щётка для пыли" or simply "пуховка".
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as one word: 'featherduster' (should be two words or hyphenated).
- Confusing with 'feathered' as in 'feathered friend' (bird).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a traditional feather duster?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for light, dry dust on smooth surfaces. They are less effective for sticky dirt or textured surfaces. Modern synthetic versions often use electrostatic charges to trap dust better.
Traditionally, ostrich feathers are prized because their fine, fluffy barbs trap dust effectively. Cheaper versions may use turkey or chicken feathers, or synthetic fibres.
Natural feather dusters can be gently shaken outdoors or vacuumed. Washing is not generally recommended as it can damage the feathers and cause clumping. Synthetic dusters are often washable.
Not a highly conventional one. It's occasionally used to describe a person or action that deals with issues in a light, superficial, or non-confrontational way.
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