Old duck

[jiho]

Hi all,
What is the most common meaning (without any context) of calling somebody "old duck"? If there is any common meaning for that at all...

Thank you!

 

[susiedqq]

I've heard of "old dog" or "old goat" before, but never "old duck"

Sure you heard it right?

 

[jiho]

Sure, it is written...:lol: (Although it could be misspelled, of course)

It is a text in which the author (English, not American) lists a few ways of calling people related to animals and that is the reason I said there was no context:

«The animal lurking inside human beings was obvious, screeched Punch with delight: slimy reptiles, old ducks, snakes in the grass...»
Being Punch the famous English Magazine.

So, What kind of person was an «Old duck»?

Thanks!!

 

[MrPedantic]

Some (older) BrE speakers use "duck" or "duckie" (or "ducks") as a familiar term for the addressee, in conversation. The speaker is almost always female.

Some (again, older) male BrE speakers use "old duck" as a term of affection for their wives.

"Old duck" can also be used as a synonym for "old chap"; but this is very rare.

These usages belong to very particular contexts and kinds of speaker; also, they now have a slightly old-fashioned air. So it's probably better for an ESL student to avoid them!

Best wishes,

MrP

 

[jiho]

Thanks a lot, Mr.P
Rgds