for the birds

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bird

(bûrd)

a. Any of various warm-blooded egg-laying feathered vertebrates of the class Aves, having forelimbs modified to form wings.

b. Such an animal hunted as game.

c. Such an animal, especially a chicken or turkey, used as food: put the bird in the oven.

2. See clay pigeon.

3. Sports See shuttlecock.

4. Slang A rocket, guided missile, satellite, or airplane.

5. Slang A person, especially one who is odd or remarkable: a sly old bird.

6. Chiefly British Slang A young woman.

7. Slang

a. A loud sound expressing disapproval; a raspberry.

b. Discharge from employment: lost a big sale and nearly got the bird.

8. An obscene gesture of anger, defiance, or derision made by pointing or jabbing the middle finger upward.

intr.v. bird·ed, bird·ing, birds

1. To observe and identify birds in their natural surroundings.

2. To trap, shoot, or catch birds.

Idiom:

for the birds

Objectionable or worthless.

[Middle English, from Old English brid, young bird.]

bird′ing n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

for the birds

Of no value whatsoever.

References in periodicals archive ?

Unfortunately, many times these "preventative methods" are either not properly installed or are simply ineffective--ironically providing a better nesting area for the birds and accentuating the problem.

Latest chapter on high-rise health threats

Badgers fear up the bees' nests, leaving behind plenty of honey for the birds. The Boran are less sloppy about gathering honey, but traditionally leave a bit on purpose as a reward for their guide.