The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #135870   Message #3688161
Posted By: Steve Gardham
23-Dec-14 - 03:42 PM
Thread Name: Why 'in a pear-tree?'
Subject: RE: Why 'in a pear-tree?'
Slight thread drift, but as the origin of the word 'parrot' is unknown
I've often wondered if somehow it derived from the older word 'pyot' the northern name for a magpie. The magpie does not have bright gaudy colours but it does have a striking plumage and is of a similar size to a parrot. Popinjay of course is obvious, the jay being somewhat gaudy in colour.