skua: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (very low frequency, specialized)technical, ornithological, literary/poetic
Quick answer
What does “skua” mean?
A large seabird of the family Stercorariidae, often predatory or kleptoparasitic, known for harassing other birds to steal their food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large seabird of the family Stercorariidae, often predatory or kleptoparasitic, known for harassing other birds to steal their food.
In a figurative sense, any predatory, aggressive, or opportunistically parasitic entity or person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, "skua" is the standard term for these birds. In American English, especially in North American birdwatching contexts, some species are also commonly known as "jaegers."
Connotations
Slightly more common and familiar in British English due to the presence of breeding great skuas in Scotland. In American English, it's a highly specialized ornithological term for most speakers.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, particularly in nature writing and broadcasts (e.g., BBC Springwatch). In US English, frequency is very low outside of birding communities.
Grammar
How to Use “skua” in a Sentence
The skua [verb of attack: harried, chased, stole from] the gull.We saw a [species adjective: great, arctic] skua [prepositional phrase: over the sea, on the moor].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skua” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; highly nonce) The bird seemed to be skua-ing the puffins relentlessly.
American English
- (Not standard; highly nonce) The jaeger was skua-ing a tern for its catch.
adverb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Rare) He had a skua-like determination, taking what he wanted from others.
American English
- (Rare) The firm's skua tactics in the market drew criticism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: "The company acted like a skua, preying on smaller startups."
Academic
Used in ornithology, ecology, and zoology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Confined to birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, or readers of nature literature.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology and field guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skua”
- Pronouncing it /ˈskuːə/ (like 'skoo-ah') instead of /ˈskjuːə/ (like 'skyoo-ah').
- Using it as a general term for any large seabird.
- Confusing skuas with gulls or shearwaters.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'skua' is almost exclusively a noun. Any verbal use is highly creative, non-standard, and would only be understood in context.
Skuas are generally more predatory and aggressive, with hooked beaks and a habit of chasing other birds (kleptoparasitism). Gulls are more generalist scavengers and predators.
In the UK, great skuas breed in northern Scotland and Shetland. Arctic skuas can be seen on coastal moors and during migration. In the US, they are pelagic (open ocean) birds seen offshore or during migration along coasts.
It refers to a specific group of birds not commonly encountered by most people. Its usage is confined to ornithology, birdwatching, and specialized nature writing, making it a low-frequency, C2-level vocabulary item.
A large seabird of the family Stercorariidae, often predatory or kleptoparasitic, known for harassing other birds to steal their food.
Skua is usually technical, ornithological, literary/poetic in register.
Skua: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskjuːə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskjuə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a skua (meaning: aggressively opportunistic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird shouting "SKU-A!" as it steals another bird's fish. The sound of its call is its name.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGGRESSION IS PREDATION / OPPORTUNISM IS PARASITISM. The skua serves as a source domain for describing entities that aggressively take from others.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, which term is often used interchangeably for some skua species?