like the bottom of a birdcage
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Very foul-tasting; said of a person's mouth after heavy drinking etc.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
At ten to one, Sid slouched in with an overflowing briefcase in one hand and a basketball under his arm, complaining of a hangover. 'Mouth like the bottom of a birdcage.'
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “like the bottom of a birdcage” mean?
Very foul-tasting; said of a person's mouth after heavy drinking etc.
Is “like the bottom of a birdcage” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.