How Do You Spell TURKEY?

Pronunciation: [tˈɜːkɪ] (IPA)

The word "turkey" is spelled with six letters, but pronounced with three syllables. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈtɜːr.ki/. The "t" and "k" sounds are both voiceless consonants, while the "ə" vowel sound is pronounced with the tongue in a neutral position. The "r" sound is a consonant that is pronounced by vibrating the tongue, while the "y" at the end of the word is a voiced consonant that is pronounced with the tongue in a high position in the mouth.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
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TURKEY Meaning and Definition

  1. Turkey can refer to different terms depending on the context:

    1. Noun: Turkey, in its primary usage, is a large domesticated bird native to North America and commonly raised for its meat, often enjoyed as a staple dish during festive occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The turkey is known for its distinctive appearance, with a feathered body, wattled neck, and a protuberance known as a snood hanging over its beak.

    2. Noun: Turkey may also refer to the Republic of Turkey, a country located mainly in Western Asia, but with a small part in Southeast Europe known as Thrace. Turkey is bordered by various countries and seas, including Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Ankara is its capital city, and Turkish is the official language.

    3. Slang: In informal contexts, "turkey" can be used as a derogatory term, describing something or someone as inferior, of poor quality, or unsuccessful. For example, a bad movie can be referred to as a "turkey."

    4. Slang: In the sport of bowling, a "turkey" is a term used to describe three consecutive strikes.

    5. Verb: Additionally, "to turkey" means to fail or to falter in a performance, typically in a sports competition or a test. For instance, a gymnast may say they "turkeyed" during their routine, meaning they made mistakes and did not perform well.

  2. • The country of the Turks; a large domestic fowl, originally from N. Amer.-so called as supposed to come from Turkey, or more likely from the bright-scarlet colour of the fleshy excrescences on its head.
    • Of or from Turkey.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TURKEY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TURKEY

Etymology of TURKEY

The word "turkey" has a rather interesting etymology. It originated from a confusion and misassociation with another bird and a country.

In the 16th century, English merchants started importing a particular type of large, domesticated, North American bird to Europe. These birds were originally native to America and were being imported by English merchants via Turkey, as it was a major trading hub at the time. Since the English traders thought the birds came from Turkey, they referred to them as "turkeys".

However, the bird we currently know as a turkey is not native to Turkey at all, nor was it ever a part of its natural fauna. In fact, the turkey is native to North America and was initially misidentified as a type of guinea fowl, which were imported to Europe and the Middle East via the Ottoman Empire, often known in English as Turkey at the time.

Idioms with the word TURKEY

  • talk turkey To "talk turkey" means to have a serious and frank conversation, usually involving discussing important or practical matters or engaging in straightforward negotiation. It conveys the idea of speaking honestly and getting down to the essential points without any unnecessary distractions or small talk. The phrase is often used in business settings or during discussions involving financial matters or negotiations.
  • a turkey shoot The idiom "a turkey shoot" refers to a situation or event that is extremely easy or one-sided, where the outcome is predictable and greatly favors one side or participant. It implies an unfair advantage or an effortless task, often resulting in a win or success for one party while the others stand no chance. The expression originated from the practice of hunting turkeys, where the birds are easily targeted and shot due to their lack of agility.
  • go cold turkey The idiom "go cold turkey" means to stop doing or consuming something abruptly and completely, without gradually reducing or weaning off it. It is commonly used when referring to quitting a habit or addiction instantly, without any support or substitutes.
  • cold turkey The idiom "cold turkey" refers to the sudden and complete cessation or withdrawal from a particular habit or addiction, without any kind of gradual tapering or assistance. It implies an abrupt and often difficult process of quitting or giving up something, such as substance abuse, smoking, or any other compulsive behavior.
  • turkey bacon The idiom "turkey bacon" refers to a food product made from turkey meat that is processed and flavored to resemble traditional pork bacon. It is used metaphorically to describe a substitute or inferior version of something, often in a humorous or derogatory manner.
  • kick cold turkey The idiom "kick cold turkey" is used to describe someone abruptly quitting or stopping a habit or addiction, usually referring to overcoming substance abuse without the aid of gradual reduction or medication. It implies quitting something abruptly and without any assistance or preparation.
  • quit (something) cold turkey The idiom "quit (something) cold turkey" means to abruptly stop or give up a habit or addiction immediately, without any gradual tapering off or assistance. It refers to stopping without any gradual reduction or planning, similar to how one abruptly discontinues eating cold turkey after previously being a heavy meat eater.
  • jive turkey The idiom "jive turkey" is typically understood as a derogatory slang term used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to refer to someone who is considered foolish, deceitful, or insincere. It originated in the 1970s and gained popularity in African American communities. However, it can also be used more playfully or humorously among friends without intending to insult.
  • poor as Job's turkey The idiom "poor as Job's turkey" means to be extremely poor or destitute. It refers to the story of Job from the Bible, who endured great suffering and loss, leaving him in a state of utter poverty. In this context, the reference to "Job's turkey" suggests someone who is in an even worse financial state than Job himself.
  • be stuffed like a turkey The idiom "be stuffed like a turkey" means to be completely or excessively full, often used to describe the state of being overindulged or having eaten too much food. It refers to the feeling of being as full as a turkey that has been stuffed and ready for roasting.
  • couch-turkey The idiom "couch-turkey" refers to a person who is lazy, unmotivated, and spends a lot of time lounging on the couch or being unproductive.

Similar spelling words for TURKEY

Plural form of TURKEY is TURKEYS

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