cuckoo
UK[ˈkʊk.uː]US[ˈkʊk.uː]
n
a grey bird that makes a sound like its name and lays its eggs in the nests of other birds
adj
(informal) silly or crazy
Etymology
the word 'cuckoo' is a classic example of onomatopoeia, derived directly from the sound the bird makes. its name echoes across european languages, such as old french 'cucu', latin 'cuculus', and ancient greek 'kokkux', all imitative of its distinctive call. this sound-based naming is one of the oldest and most direct methods of word formation. over time, the word's association with the bird's unusual nesting behavior led to its figurative use to describe foolishness or madness, giving rise to terms like 'cuckold' and the informal adjective 'cuckoo'.
Analysis
this is a simplex word of imitative origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the sound of a cuckoo is a familiar sign of spring.
he was considered a bit cuckoo for abandoning his stable job to become an artist.
the cuckoo chick pushed the other eggs out of the nest.