storm-cock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Regional)Poetic, Literary, Regional (UK), Archaic
Quick answer
What does “storm-cock” mean?
A regional British name for the mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus), a large thrush known for singing loudly in stormy weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A regional British name for the mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus), a large thrush known for singing loudly in stormy weather.
A poetic or folk name for a bird that defiantly sings during adverse conditions, sometimes used metaphorically for a person who remains cheerful or vocal during hardship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British (specifically English and Scottish) and is not used in American English. The American equivalent would simply be 'mistle thrush' (though this species is less common in North America).
Connotations
In British usage, it carries rustic, poetic, or old-fashioned connotations, often evoking a connection to nature lore.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern British English, found primarily in older literature, poetry, or in specific regional dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “storm-cock” in a Sentence
The [storm-cock] sang [from the treetop].We listened to the [storm-cock].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Might appear in ornithological texts discussing historical or regional bird names.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary everyday speech.
Technical
A historical/common name in ornithology, but the scientific name Turdus viscivorus is standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “storm-cock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “storm-cock”
- Using it as a general term for any bird in a storm.
- Capitalising it as 'Storm-Cock' (usually lower case).
- Using it in modern American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or regional term, primarily found in older literature and poetry.
It would not be understood by most Americans. Use 'mistle thrush' instead for clarity.
Because the mistle thrush often sings loudly and prominently from tree tops before and during storms, and 'cock' is an old word for a bird.
No, it is not offensive. The 'cock' element is an old generic term for a bird (like in 'woodcock'), not a reference to a rooster.
A regional British name for the mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus), a large thrush known for singing loudly in stormy weather.
Storm-cock is usually poetic, literary, regional (uk), archaic in register.
Storm-cock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːm ˌkɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːrm ˌkɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a weathercock (vane) on a steeple, but instead of pointing the wind direction, it's a bird (cock) singing loudly in a STORM.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFIANCE IS SINGING IN A STORM; CHEERFUL RESILIENCE IS A BIRD IN BAD WEATHER.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'storm-cock'?