Definition of rubber duck

rubber ducknoun

vịt cao su

/ˌrʌbə ˈdʌk//ˌrʌbər ˈdʌk/

The term "rubber duck" originated in the late 19th century, around the time when rubber toys first became popular. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to stem from the way the toy floats in water and bounces when thrown, similar to a real rubber duck. This unique property was discovered accidentally when a sailor's rubber peg leg, which was made in the shape of a duck, fell overboard and floated back to the ship. The soldiers and sailors on board found this novelty entertaining and began asking for more similar toys. These toys, often made from yellow rubber, were sold as duck-shaped bath toys, toys for small children, and as promotional items for various businesses. The term "rubber duck" stuck, and it has since become a popular colloquialism, often used to refer to any small, yellow duck-shaped object.

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a plastic toy in the shape of a duck, usually yellow, for playing with in the bath

một đồ chơi bằng nhựa có hình con vịt, thường có màu vàng, để chơi trong bồn tắm

Example:
  • The baby loves playing with a rubber duck in the bath.

    Em bé thích chơi với con vịt cao su trong bồn tắm.

a small boat made of rubber that is filled with air, especially one with a motor

một chiếc thuyền nhỏ làm bằng cao su chứa đầy không khí, đặc biệt là loại có động cơ

Example:
  • Four of us were fishing from a rubber duck when the storm hit.

    Bốn người chúng tôi đang câu cá trên một con vịt cao su khi cơn bão ập đến.