pecker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal to vulgar
Quick answer
What does “pecker” mean?
A bird that pecks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird that pecks; specifically, a woodpecker.
Informal, chiefly North American term for 'courage', 'spirit', or 'resolve' (as in 'keep your pecker up'). Also, vulgar slang for the penis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the phrase 'keep your pecker up' (meaning stay cheerful) is known, though old-fashioned. In American English, this phrase is virtually unknown and 'pecker' is overwhelmingly used as vulgar slang for the penis, making the British idiom potentially highly embarrassing or confusing.
Connotations
British: Potentially innocuous in the fixed idiom, but awareness of the American meaning is growing. American: Exclusively vulgar and crude.
Frequency
The word is very low frequency in formal or polite contexts in both dialects due to its vulgar connotations. The ornithological use is rare.
Grammar
How to Use “pecker” in a Sentence
[keep] + possessive pronoun + pecker + upVerb + at/on (e.g., The bird peckered at the tree)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely unlikely and inappropriate.
Academic
Only in ornithology, but the specific term 'woodpecker' is preferred.
Everyday
Rare due to vulgarity in AmE; the old BrE idiom is dated.
Technical
Ornithology: a type of bird.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pecker”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pecker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pecker”
- Using 'keep your pecker up' with American speakers, assuming it's international slang.
- Assuming the word is polite because of its innocent ornithological root.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a British idiom meaning 'stay cheerful' or 'keep your chin up'. It is unrelated to the American vulgar slang.
Generally, no. In most international and American contexts, it is considered a vulgar term. The ornithological use is rare and likely to be misunderstood.
'Pecker' historically meant 'beak' or, by extension, 'chin/nose' (something that juts out). The British idiom derives from 'chin' (keep your chin up). In American slang, the same metaphor was applied crudely to a different body part, which became the dominant meaning.
Yes, but it will be marked as archaic or dialectal. Modern field guides and scientific texts use 'woodpecker' exclusively.
A bird that pecks.
Pecker is usually informal to vulgar in register.
Pecker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep your pecker up (BrE, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A PECKER is a bird that PECKS. Remember: in the UK, 'Keep PECKING' means stay cheerful; in the US, it's a rude word.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIGOR/SPIRIT IS AN UPRIGHT BODY PART (in 'keep your pecker up', where 'pecker' historically meant 'beak' or 'chin').
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect is 'pecker' commonly used in a vulgar sense?