chickenhawk
Any of the North American hawk species, or counterparts elsewhere, mistakenly believed…Any of the North American hawk species (Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk and red-tailed hawk), or counterparts elsewhere, mistakenly believed to be pests.
Meaning
3 sensesAny of the North American hawk species (Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk and red-tailed hawk), or counterparts elsewhere, mistakenly believed to be pests.
Eckschwanzsperber
(US, derogatory)A draft dodger, especially in the Vietnam War, who nonetheless currently supports United States overseas military engagements.
(derogatory, slang)An older, usually more powerful man who preys on adolescent boys for sex.
Translations
3 languagesBy meaning 1
Origin
From chicken + hawk. The political sense is derived from figurative meanings of “coward” aFrom chicken + hawk. The political sense is derived from figurative meanings of “coward” and “militant” respectively.
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Forms
plural: chickenhawks| Singular | chickenhawk |
|---|---|
| Plural | chickenhawks |
regular