popinjay

A popinjay is a brightly colored parrot, particularly one that is trained to mimic speech. The term is often used in a somewhat archaic or literary context, suggesting a bird that is more ornamental than practical. Historically, trained parrots were popular as pets and symbols of wealth and status. Their ability to "talk" or repeat phrases was a source of amusement and fascination.

The word "popinjay" can also be used metaphorically to describe a vain or conceited person, especially one who is overly concerned with their appearance and speech. This figurative use likely stems from the image of a colorful, chattering bird. In literature and popular culture, a popinjay character might be depicted as flamboyant, self-important, and perhaps a little foolish. The word itself has a somewhat playful sound, contributing to its association with superficiality.

In some historical contexts, particularly in falconry, a popinjay was a target used for archery practice. This target was often shaped like a bird and would be suspended from a pole. Archers would compete to shoot it down, and the winner would be declared the "king of the archers" or similar title. This practice, while separate from the bird itself, shares the root word and a connection to the avian form.