show white feather
show white feather (metaphor)
/ʃoʊ waɪt ˈfɛðər/
Meanings
- To show cowardice or be easily frightened in a difficult situation.
- To display a lack of courage when facing a challenge or confrontation.
Synonyms: coward; weakling; craven; timid person; spineless.
Example Sentences
- The politician showed white feather by avoiding tough questions during the debate.
- When the manager asked him to present the report in front of the board, he showed white feather and avoided going on stage.
- The soldier was expected to be brave, but he showed white feather when the battle began.
Origin and History
The idiom “show the white feather” is widely recognized as a symbol of cowardice, with its origins commonly traced to the practice of cockfighting in 18th-century England. The prevailing theory suggests that a white feather in a gamecock’s tail was considered a sign of inferior breeding, as purebred fighting cocks typically lacked white feathers. This physical trait became a metaphor for cowardice, implying that an individual displaying the “white feather” lacked the courage or resolve expected in challenging situations. Etymologically, the phrase derives from the combination of “white,” associated with purity or surrender (as in a white flag), and “feather,” linked to the cockfighting imagery. Some sources, note that the phrase crystallized in the late 18th century, with its figurative use becoming prominent in English literature and discourse. Alternative theories propose a broader cultural context, suggesting that white feathers may have symbolized weakness or impurity in other traditions, though these are less substantiated.
Country of Origin
The idiom “show the white feather” is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, specifically England. This conclusion is based on its association with cockfighting, a popular sport in Georgian England, and early references in English texts. The cultural and linguistic context of the phrase, as documented in sources like Francis Grose’s A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1785), points to its emergence in British English, with no earlier records found in other countries or languages. The phrase’s widespread use in Britain, particularly during the 19th century and later in the White Feather Movement during World War I, further supports its British origin.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest known printed record of the phrase “white feather” as a symbol of cowardice appears in Francis Grose’s A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, published in 1785. The specific quotation is:
“White feather, he has a white feather, he is a coward, an allusion to a game cock, where having a white feather, is a proof he is not of the true game breed.”
This entry explicitly ties the phrase to cockfighting and establishes its meaning as a mark of cowardice. While an 1825 reference in the Houlston Tracts (“On Bull-baiting”) uses the phrase “I’ve long guessed . . . that we should find a white feather in thy tail,” it postdates Grose’s work and is not the earliest record. No earlier printed instances have been identified in the available sources, making Grose’s dictionary the primary reference for the phrase’s first documented use.
Historical Context and Usage
The idiom gained significant traction in the 19th century, appearing in literary works such as William Makepeace Thackeray’s Pendennis (1850), where he wrote:
“He had certainly shown the white feather.”
Its use became particularly prominent during World War I in Britain through the White Feather Movement, where women handed white feathers to men not in military uniform to shame them into enlisting, reinforcing the phrase’s association with cowardice. This movement, initiated by Admiral Charles Penrose-Fitzgerald in 1914, spread to other Commonwealth countries like Australia and New Zealand, but its roots remained distinctly British. The phrase’s meaning has remained consistent, though its usage has declined in modern times, now often appearing in historical or literary contexts. In contrast, some sources note that in the U.S. military, a white feather has occasionally symbolized bravery, highlighting a rare divergence in meaning.
Origin Conclusion
The idiom “show the white feather” is a vivid example of how cultural practices, such as cockfighting, can shape linguistic expressions. Originating in England in the late 18th century, as evidenced by its earliest recorded use in Francis Grose’s 1785 dictionary, the phrase has maintained its association with cowardice across centuries. Its historical significance was amplified during World War I, cementing its place in English idiom. While alternative theories exist, the cockfighting origin remains the most robustly supported, with no evidence suggesting an earlier or non-British origin. The phrase’s enduring legacy reflects its deep roots in English cultural and literary history.
Variants
- chicken out
- back down
- turn tail
- show fear
- lose nerve
Similar Idioms
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