Feathered Connections #2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Swan

The term "black swan" was coined by the economist Nassim Nicholas Taleb to describe an unexpected event which has a big impact, either positive or negative, on the existing status quo. Taleb has cited World War I, the collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union, and the creation of the internet as examples of black swan events.

The term has gained popularity in finance and economic circles with the subprime mortgage crises that unfolded in the United States in 2008-09 being considered one such event.

Answer: Crow

To eat crow is an idiom used to describe the humiliating experience of being proven wrong. It is similar to the expression 'eat humble pie'.

Answer: Cock

A shuttlecock is also called a birdie and is used in the game of badminton where players use racquets to hit it across the net. It is surmised that the shuttle part of the name was due to the object moving back and forth during play while the cock is a reference to the feathers which give it the appearance of a bird.

Answer: Robin

The term is used to refer to an activity where all those present participate by turn. For instance, in a round robin sporting tournament, each player will play every other player once.

Answer: Turkey

Cold turkey is used to describe quitting a bad habit abruptly and fully. This is in contrast to other rehabilitation methods which may involve reduced dependence over a period of time till the usage is stopped completely.

Answer: Pigeon

A stool pigeon is a slang term for an informant. It usually refers to a person who passes on information of an illegal activity to the police and was commonly used during the Prohibition in the United States.

Answer: Chicken

Spring chicken is a slang term used to refer to someone who is very young.

Answer: Goose

Mother Goose is a character from English folklore. In the 17th century, various rhymes and poems were credited to Mother Goose. However, unlike the Brothers Grimm, there has been no substantial historical evidence attesting to the existence of such a person.

Answer: Owl

The term night owl is used to describe a person who prefers to stay up late in the night. It is based on the nocturnal habits of the bird.

Answer: Duck

When used in the context of politics, lame duck refers to an elected official serving the end of his tenure while his successor has already been elected and is ready to step in at the appointed time. In the United States, the results of the presidential election are known in November while the winner takes office only in January remaining the president-elect till then.

This period may then be called the lame duck presidency of the outgoing president since no major decisions are traditionally taken by him at this time.