magpie

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. someone who likes to collect or steal small things, especially shiny ones.

n. a person who compulsively collects or hoards small objects, often of little value.

“My sister is a bit of a magpie; she has boxes full of old buttons and ribbons.”

“He had a magpie-like tendency to accumulate obscure historical trivia and vintage postcards from every city he visited.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal · British English · Dialect

n. a nickname for a fan or player of certain sports teams that wear black and white, like Newcastle United.

n. a supporter or player of a sports club with black-and-white kits, most notably Newcastle United F.C. or Collingwood F.C.

“The Magpies celebrated their victory in the streets after the final whistle.”

“As a lifelong Magpie, he never missed a home game at St James' Park, regardless of the weather.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal · Literary

v. to take or collect things that do not belong to you, often because they look interesting.

v. to steal, scavenge, or hoard items in a manner reminiscent of the bird's perceived behaviour.

“She managed to magpie several useful ideas from the other designers.”

“The author was known to magpie snippets of overheard conversation to use as dialogue in his novels.”

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

v. to talk a lot or gossip about other people.

v. to talk incessantly or idly; to engage in gossip.

“The two neighbors stood by the gate, magpieing about the new family on the street.”

“They spent the entire afternoon magpieing about local scandals, oblivious to the work they were supposed to be finishing.”