Popinjay

A popinjay is a person who is excessively concerned with their appearance, behavior, or ostentation, often to the point of being vain or frivolous. Historically, the term referred to a parrot, emphasizing a person's tendency to mimic others for show. It carries a connotation of superficiality and showiness, often used pejoratively.

Popinjay meaning with examples

• At the party, his loud clothing and incessant self-promotion made him the quintessential popinjay, overshadowing the more genuine guests who were simply enjoying the evening without needing attention.
• Despite her impressive qualifications, her popinjay antics during the presentation, such as constantly adjusting her hair and checking her reflection, left her audience unimpressed and distracted.
• As a social media influencer, she often comes across as a popinjay, prioritizing likes and vanity over authenticity, leading her followers to question her true character.
• The popinjay of the office was more focused on his stylish shoes than the team's project, often making grandiose statements that lacked substance or practicality.
• In the world of theater, the character of the popinjay provided comic relief, with his exaggerated mannerisms and flamboyant speech, ultimately highlighting the foolishness of vanity.