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Chicken head

Posted by ESC on May 23, 2000

In Reply to: US phrases posted by Gary Martin on May 22, 2000

: Another 'please translate into British' query...

: There's been a big move in the dumbing down direction in UK tv. One small benefit of this for me is the chance to learn new language from Australian soaps, US talk shows etc. I channel-hopped to a riotous Oprah-type programme recently to hear one woman accusing another of being a pidgeon. Woman B replied 'I might be a pidgeon but I ain't no chicken head'. I watched in jaw dropping fascination for another ten minutes or so but at the end I had no idea whatever what they were talking about. Any help please?

: The Oz soap Neighbours came up with 'sticky beaking' for prying. In UK we use 'sticking your nose in'. How about USA?

: Gary

To be somebody's pigeon is to be someone's fool or dupe. "Chicken head" is a term some African-American folks use to refer to a white girl who has her hair done up in a ponytail sprouting from the top of her head. Because it looks like a chicken's comb, I guess. I've never heard the expression "chicken head" but read it in a slang book. Pretty funny, isn't it?

A further note -- please don't judge the U.S. by those gosh-awful daytime talk shows. Oprah is OK (at least the last time I watched) but most of the others are trashy.

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