Saying you’re disappointed has nothing to do with parrots so why does this phrase compare it to being as sick as a parrot? Are you as confused as Neil? Luckily, Jiaying can explain it in this episode of The English We Speak.
Jiaying
Welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Jiaying…
Neil
….and hello, I’m Neil. Jiaying, are you feeling OK today?
Jiaying
Yes, I’m fine thanks. Why are you asking?
Neil
Well, when we spoke yesterday you said you were ‘as sick as a parrot’.
Jiaying
I wasn’t ill! When someone says they are as sick as a parrot they mean they are very disappointed about something. I was saying how disappointed I was with the outcome of the football match – my team lost!
Neil
Oh I see – but why were you watching the football match with a sick parrot? I didn’t know you had one.
Jiaying
I haven’t got one, Neil – but I was very disappointed.
Neil
I’m sure – but I didn’t know parrots liked football as well.
Jiaying
Oh, Neil! Listen to these examples and will become clear.
Examples
I was as sick as a parrot when I saw someone had scratched my new car!
He was as sick as a parrot when he saw how much litter had been left in the park.
When I heard my colleague got a promotion over me, I was as sick as a parrot.
Jiaying
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re hearing about the phrase ‘as sick as a parrot’, which we can use when we are very disappointed about something. So, Neil, have you got it now – there are no parrots, it’s just a saying.
Neil
Got it! No parrots.
Jiaying
Exactly – just great disappointment.
Neil
But I wonder how sick a parrot has to be in order to feel disappointment?
Jiaying
Let’s not worry about it. The phrase has got nothing to do with sickness.
Neil
OK then. See you later.
Jiaying
Bye, Neil.
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As sick as a parrot? That’s a bit of an exaggeration, isn’t it? I’ve seen people who are actually sick as a parrot, and you don’t look anything like them.
The phrase ‘as sick as a parrot’ is actually quite old. It dates back to the 16th century, and it was originally used to describe someone who was very ill indeed. Over time, the meaning of the phrase has changed somewhat, and it is now often used to describe someone who is feeling under the weather, but not seriously ill.
I don’t think the phrase ‘as sick as a parrot’ is appropriate at all. It’s disrespectful to people who are actually sick. I think we should stop using it.
I think the phrase ‘as sick as a parrot’ is a bit silly. I mean, parrots are tropical birds, and they’re not even native to the UK. So why would we use a phrase that compares someone to a sick parrot?
I’m so sick, I’m practically as sick as a parrot. I’m so sick, I can’t even get out of bed. I’m so sick, I’m starting to think I might actually be a parrot.
I’m so sick, I’m starting to see parrots flying around my head. I think I’m going to have to call the vet.
The phrase ‘as sick as a parrot’ is actually not as common as you might think. It’s mostly used in the UK, and it’s not really used in the US at all.
I’m so sick, I’m starting to think I might actually be a parrot. I mean, I’ve been coughing up feathers all day.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling so sick. I hope you feel better soon. Have you tried any home remedies, such as drinking plenty of fluids and getting plenty of rest?
Oh, you’re sick? Boo hoo. I’m so sorry for you. Why don’t you go and cry me a river? I’m sure that will make you feel better.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re sick, but I’m sure you’ll feel better soon. Just take it easy and get plenty of rest. And don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids!
I’m sure you’re really sick, but I don’t think it’s as bad as you’re making it out to be. I mean, you’re still able to write a blog post, so you can’t be that sick.