Birdie Meaning and Definition
Birdie
Pronunciation
/ˈbɜːrdiː/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A term used in golf to refer to scoring one stroke under par on a hole.
Examples
- The golfer achieved a birdie on the final hole to win the tournament.
- Scoring a birdie requires precision and skill.
Synonyms
- Under-par
- Under-score
Antonyms
- Bogey
- Par
Additional Information
Birdies are a crucial aspect of golf, demonstrating a player’s accuracy and control over their swing. In professional golf, achieving multiple birdies throughout the tournament is essential for securing a good ranking and potential victory. The term “birdie” has also been adopted in other sports as a synonym for a score that beats the average, such as in bowling where a score one pin under the average is referred to as a “birdie.”
In golf culture, birdies are often used as a form of encouragement, with players supporting each other’s accomplishments by stating, “That’s a great birdie!” The term has also seeped into everyday language, used figuratively to describe an exceptional achievement or performance in any field.
Interestingly, the term “birdie” may have originated from the idea that scoring an under-par shot is a “bird-like” feat, requiring precision and finesse similar to that of a bird in flight.
Etymology
The word “birdie” is an informal term in golf, possibly originating from the nickname “Birdie” for the famous golfer Elsie Hill’s child, or possibly from the bird’s extraordinary flight.
Usage Notes
The term “birdie” is often used in informal golf settings, where players encourage and congratulate each other on their achievements. In formal golf tournaments, the term “under-par” or “under-score” is more commonly used.
Cultural References
The term “birdie” features prominently in various golf-themed movies, books, and video games, often used as a term of encouragement and celebration.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Birdie on the hole” – scoring one stroke under par on a hole.
- “Making birdies” – achieving multiple under-par scores on a round of golf.
Related Words or Phrases
- Par – a standard or expected score on a hole.
- Bogey – a score one stroke above par on a hole.
- Under-par – a score below the expected standard on a hole.
Collocations
Birdie is often collocated with words such as “golf,” “tiger,” and “card.”
Frequency of Use
The term “birdie” is widely used in golf culture, with a moderate level of frequency in everyday language, particularly during golf tournaments and social events.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the term “birdie” include “birdy,” “birdiee,” and “birdie’s.”