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To be as sick as a parrot about something is to be very disappointed, unhappy or depressed.
This expression is British informal English and it is often used in a humorous way in sporting contexts; for example, to express disappointment at losing a football game.
It's not clear where this expression came from. Some people think it was first used by a sports commentator or sports person in the 1970s; others think it might have its origins in the infectious parrot disease, psittacosis, that can cause a serious form of pneumonia in humans.
Examples of use:
1. I was as sick as a parrot when Manchester United lost.
2. I feel as sick as a parrot that the UK didn't win last year's Eurovision Song Contest!
3. Wayne Rooney was as sick as a parrot when he missed his chance to score a goal.
Have you heard this expression being used? Where have you heard it?
Image © Frank Jakobi
About Angela Boothroyd
this comes from the day when it was announced to the Tottenham Hotspurs board of directors, that the Woolich Arsenal were moving to Highbury (just a couple of miles from the Spurs Ground)
The Tottenham Pet Parrot fell dead from his perch
hence as sick as a parrot
Hi Keith,
I remember reading something about the Tottenham parrot – I think I read a story that said the parrot died on the day when Tottenham were relegated from Division 1 in 1919 (or something similar), and this is where the expression as sick as a parrot comes from. Who knows for sure
Thank you very much for your comment