The common phrase “birds of a feather flock together” refers to the tendency for like-minded people to associate with each other. But where does this expression come from and what is the full quote?
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “birds of a feather” dates back to at least the 16th century. One of the earliest known appearances is in William Turner’s 1545 work Rescuing of Romish Fox: “Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together.” The saying reflects the common observation that birds of the same species tend to flock together.
Over the next few centuries, the phrase evolved into various versions. In his 1678 work Heaven Upon Earth, author Joseph Alleine wrote: “Birds of a feather will flock together.” By the 18th century, it had taken on its current form: “birds of a feather flock together.”
The expression highlights how birds of the same species stay together in flocks. It is used figuratively to describe how people tend to associate and bond with those who are similar to themselves in character, interests, or background.
Full Quote and Meaning
While “birds of a feather flock together” is the common short version, the full quote is:
“Birds of a feather flock together” and “Birds of a feather sing together.”
This longer quote emphasizes that birds which are alike not only fly together in flocks, but also sing together. When applied to people, it reinforces the idea that similar people keep company and share activities together.
The message of the full quote is that like-minded people naturally congregate and bond. Those who have similar interests, beliefs, backgrounds, lifestyles, or habits tend to seek out and associate with one another.
Examples and Interpretation
Here are some examples of how the phrase “birds of a feather” is commonly interpreted and used:
- College freshmen often room with people who have similar interests and personalities, because “birds of a feather flock together.”
- Jenny doesn’t hang out with those party animals anymore; she found a new group of friends who are bookish like her, since “birds of a feather flock together.”
- Jocks, nerds, artsy students – high school cliques prove “birds of a feather flock together” is true.
While often used neutrally, this phrase can also convey negative connotations of exclusion or lack of diversity. Nonetheless, it captures the very real human tendency to gravitate towards people who are similar.
Common Variations
There are a few common variations on the original “birds of a feather” phrase:
- “Birds of a feather sing together.”
- “Birds of a feather think together.”
- “Birds of a feather act together.”
All these versions emphasize the natural affinity between like-minded people or things. The meaning remains essentially the same.
In Literature and Pop Culture
Given its long history and catchy rhyme, “birds of a feather” has appeared in many works of literature and pop culture over the centuries. Here are just a few noteworthy examples:
- William Shakespeare referenced it in The Merry Wives of Windsor: “Birds of a feather will flock together.”
- Aesop used it in his fable The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat to satirize class prejudices.
- Robert Heinlein titled a science fiction novel The Cat Who Walks Through Walls after a variant phrase.
- There was a popular TV series in the 1970s-80s called “Birds of a Feather” about two sisters whose husbands were in prison together.
- Eminem uses it in his song “Not Alike” rapping “Birds of a feather flock together.”
These examples demonstrate the lasting appeal and familiarity of this age-old adage.
Conclusion
In summary, the common phrase “birds of a feather flock together” is derived from a much older 16th century saying. The full version emphasizes that similar birds not only flock together but also sing together. This highlights the natural human tendency to associate and bond with people who share similar interests, beliefs, backgrounds, and habits. The phrase is widely used in literature and culture to describe homogenous groups or people’s inclination to congregate with their own kind.
Century | Early Version |
---|---|
16th century | “Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together.” – William Turner, 1545 |
17th century | “Birds of a feather will flock together.” – Joseph Alleine, 1678 |
18th century | “Birds of a feather flock together.” |
Key Points
- The phrase reflects the common observation that birds of the same species flock together.
- It is used to describe how similar people tend to associate with each other.
- The full quote is “Birds of a feather flock together” and “Birds of a feather sing together.”
- It has appeared widely in literature and pop culture for centuries.