pouter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareInformal, sometimes humorous or pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “pouter” mean?
A person who habitually pouts or shows petulant dissatisfaction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who habitually pouts or shows petulant dissatisfaction.
A breed of pigeon characterized by its inflated crop and upright posture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though the pigeon breed meaning might be more familiar to UK hobbyists.
Connotations
Mildly archaic/old-fashioned in both varieties. Can sound humorous or quaint.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. More likely in descriptive/narrative writing than speech.
Grammar
How to Use “pouter” in a Sentence
be a ~call someone a ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pouter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (verb form 'pout') She would pout for hours if she didn't get her way.
American English
- (verb form 'pout') He's just pouting because they changed the schedule.
adverb
British English
- (related adverb 'poutingly') 'It's not fair,' she said poutingly.
American English
- (related adverb 'poutingly') He replied poutingly from his corner.
adjective
British English
- (related adjective 'pouty') He had a pouty, disgruntled expression.
American English
- (related adjective 'pouty') She gave a pouty shrug and looked away.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except in historical/ornithological contexts.
Everyday
Occasional humorous or chiding use, especially regarding children.
Technical
Standard term for a specific breed of fancy pigeon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pouter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pouter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pouter”
- Confusing with "potter".
- Using to describe an adult without humorous intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's quite rare in modern usage. 'Sulker' or phrases like 'in a sulk' are more common.
Only in the very specific context of the pigeon breed. For a sulking pet, it would be humorous personification.
A pouter expresses dissatisfaction silently through facial expression/posture. A complainer uses words.
It can be mildly insulting or belittling, implying childishness. Often used humorously among friends or to/regarding children.
A person who habitually pouts or shows petulant dissatisfaction.
Pouter is usually informal, sometimes humorous or pejorative. in register.
Pouter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lip out like a pouter pigeon (rare, descriptive)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POUT + ER = one who pouts.
Conceptual Metaphor
SADNESS/DISSATISFACTION IS A PHYSICAL DISTORTION OF THE FACE (pouting).
Practice
Quiz
In ornithology, a 'pouter' specifically refers to: