red shank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/regional)Specialist (ornithology, historical, informal/nickname)
Quick answer
What does “red shank” mean?
A wading bird (Tringa totanus) of the sandpiper family, with long red legs, commonly found on marshes and estuaries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wading bird (Tringa totanus) of the sandpiper family, with long red legs, commonly found on marshes and estuaries.
Informally, a person with red hair; historically, a nickname for a Scottish Highlander, especially a soldier, from the red-dyed hose they wore.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The ornithological term is used in both varieties, but is more common in the UK due to the bird's presence. The historical/nickname sense is almost exclusively British (specifically Scottish) usage.
Connotations
In the UK, ornithological use is neutral; historical/nickname use can be informal or affectionate. In the US, the term is largely unknown outside birdwatching contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Slightly higher recognition in UK due to bird's prevalence and historical context.
Grammar
How to Use “red shank” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] redshank [VERB] in the [NOUN].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red shank” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- We spotted a lone redshank probing the mudflats at low tide.
- The call of the redshank is a characteristic 'teu-hu-hu'.
- Local lore spoke of the old general, a fierce redshank from the north.
American English
- The field guide helped us distinguish the Greater Yellowlegs from the Redshank.
- The European Redshank is a rare vagrant on this coast.
- His nickname 'Redshank' came from his bright ginger hair.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and historical texts.
Everyday
Rare, mostly by birdwatchers or in specific coastal regions.
Technical
Ornithological identification guides; ecological studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red shank”
- Spelling as two words ('red shank') is common but the standard ornithological term is one word: 'redshank'.
- Using it to generally describe any red-legged bird.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for the bird and its historical extensions, the standard is one word ('redshank'). 'Red shank' as two words is not standard.
Yes, but this is a separate, less common usage. 'Redshank' can refer to a type of persicaria (a weed), also called 'red leg'. Context is key.
The Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) is a Eurasian species. It is a very rare vagrant to North America, so birdwatchers there would use the term for a rare sighting.
By its medium size, long red-orange legs, medium-length straight bill with a red base, and its noisy, piping calls.
A wading bird (Tringa totanus) of the sandpiper family, with long red legs, commonly found on marshes and estuaries.
Red shank is usually specialist (ornithology, historical, informal/nickname) in register.
Red shank: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdʃæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdˌʃæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bird with legs that look like they've been standing in red ink: RED legs by the riverbank/SHANK (old word for leg).
Conceptual Metaphor
REDSHANK (bird) is A SENTINEL OF THE MARSH (from its alert, upright stance and piercing call).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a correct statement about the term 'redshank'?