Tailfeather

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A feather located at the rear end of a bird ; a quill from the posterior part of a bird's plumage ; sometimes used colloquially as a reference to one's backside
  2. One of the feathers growing from the tail region of a bird ; a plume from a bird's hindquarters ; in informal speech, a playful term for the buttocks
  3. Any of the flight feathers positioned at the end of a bird's back ; the large quills of a bird's tail ; a slangy way to refer to a person's rear

Etymology: The phrase "tailfeather" originally comes from the literal feathers located at the rear end of a bird, specifically those feathers that form the tail. These feathers play an important role in a bird’s ability to steer and balance during flight, making them notable physical features. The compound word joins "tail," derived from Old English "tægel," meaning the rear part of an animal, and "feather," from Old English "fether," both terms deeply rooted in the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family. By the 19th century, "tailfeather" had taken on a figurative meaning in American English, appearing in expressions like "to get one's tailfeathers up." This phrase conveyed a sense of excitement, pride, or readiness to act, often in a spirited or flamboyant manner. The imagery evokes a bird fluffing or raising its tail feathers as a display of confidence or challenge, much like a rooster crowing or a bird puffing up its plumage to assert dominance or attract attention. This metaphorical use extended into the jazz and swing music scenes of the early 20th century, where "tailfeather" was sometimes used in lyrics and slang to describe a lively, stylish, or confident attitude. It was part of a broader trend in which bird imagery and feather-related expressions symbolized flair and bravado. Thus, what began as a simple anatomical term took on colorful social and cultural connotations. The transition from a straightforward description of bird anatomy to an emblem of human character illustrates how language often draws on nature to express intangible qualities. The term’s evolution captures a slice of American vernacular creativity, where physical characteristics of animals become metaphors for human behavior and spirit.

Synonyms: tail feather, rectrix, feather, flight feather