What’s the origin of the phrase ‘For the birds’?
This phrase is of American origin and, while still in use there, has never been commonly used elsewhere. It is US Army slang and originated towards the end of WWII. An early example of its use is this piece from The Lowell Sun, October 1944, in an interview with a Sergt. Buck Erickson, of Camp Ellis, Illinois:
“Don’t take too seriously this belief that we have football at Camp Ellis solely for the entertainment of the personnel - that’s strictly for the birds. The army is a winner… the army likes to win - that’s the most fortunate thing in the world for America.”