bécasse

woodcock

noun beh-KAHS Rare

Also means

silly woman

Usage Note

Bécasse is literally the Eurasian woodcock, a prized game bird known for its long bill and erratic flight. In colloquial French it is also a mildly contemptuous term for a foolish or scatterbrained woman. The diminutive bécasseau, formed with -eau, names the smaller sandpipers, a related but distinct group of waders.

Examples

"La bécasse est un gibier très apprécié des chasseurs."

Natural Translation

The woodcock is a game bird highly prized by hunters.

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