canary bird

• Expression familière ou argotique désignant un chanteur, en particulier une chanteuse, ou un prisonnier. Le terme provient de la couleur jaune vif des canaris, associée au plumage de l'oiseau, et dans l'argot criminel, à l'uniforme carcéral ou aux informateurs.

An old-fashioned slang term for a singer, especially a female vocalist, or a jailbird (prisoner). The term originates from the bright yellow color of canaries, which was associated with the yellow plumage of the bird and, in criminal slang, with prison uniforms or informants.

1. Small songbirdA2formal

   A small, bright yellow songbird native to the Canary Islands, often kept as a pet.

   Canari

   • The canary bird sang beautifully in its cage.
   • She bought a canary bird for her grandmother.
   • Canary birds are known for their cheerful chirping.

2. Mining canary (historical)B2formal

   A canary bird used historically in coal mines to detect toxic gases; if the bird died, miners knew to evacuate.

   Canari de mine

   • Miners used a canary bird as an early warning system for gas leaks.
   • The canary bird stopped singing, signaling danger.
   • The phrase 'canary in a coal mine' comes from this practice.