As Dead As a Dodo (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "As Dead As a Dodo"?

If something is said to be as dead a dodo, it is not working, obsolete, or unavailable. It refers to the flightless and now extinct bird that was taken by sailors to their ship and kept alive for fresh meat. The Portuguese named the birds doudo, meaning stupid. Dodos were caught and eaten into extinction during the 17th Century. Thereafter, the phrase passed into the English language.

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As Dead As a Dodo (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • The traditional art of letter writing is considered as dead as a dodo in the age of digital communication.
  • With the rise of streaming services, physical video rental stores have become as dead as a dodo.
  • The once-popular fashion trend from the '80s is now as dead as a dodo, with no one wearing it anymore.
  • After the advancement of technology, floppy disks have become as dead as a dodo, replaced by more efficient storage solutions.

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What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs