Cluck vs. Pluck — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Cluck refers to the sound made by a chicken, signaling comfort or calling chicks, while pluck involves pulling feathers from a bird or courageously facing challenges.
Difference Between Cluck and Pluck
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Cluck typically describes the soft, cooing sound made by chickens, often used to communicate with their chicks or express contentment. On the other hand, pluck has dual meanings: it can refer to the act of removing feathers from birds, such as in poultry processing, or describe the act of showing courage or resolve in difficult situations.
The sound of a cluck is instinctual and natural among chickens, serving as a form of communication within the flock. Whereas, pluck as an action requires physical effort or emotional fortitude, whether it's in preparing a bird for cooking or facing life's challenges boldly.
In terms of usage, cluck is often used in a farming or domestic context, reflecting an everyday aspect of rural life. Conversely, pluck, when used to describe courage, finds its place more broadly in literary and everyday language, emphasizing an admirable quality in people.
Linguistically, "cluck" functions primarily as a verb and sometimes as a noun, relating specifically to the sounds made by birds. Pluck, however, is versatile, operating as both a verb and a noun, with its meanings extending from physical action to a metaphorical trait.
The emotional connotation of cluck is generally neutral or warm, indicative of simple, natural processes in animal behavior. Pluck, in its noun form denoting bravery, carries a positive, often inspirational connotation, praising the stout-heartedness or tenacity of individuals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Sound made by chickens
Removing feathers from birds or showing bravery
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Verb, Noun
Usage Context
Farming, animal behavior
Culinary, emotional, and literary contexts
Emotional Connotation
Neutral, comforting
Ranges from neutral (action) to positive (trait)
Common Associations
Chickens, communication within birds
Courage, resilience, preparation in cooking
Compare with Definitions
Cluck
Sound made by a chicken.
The hen clucked softly, calling her chicks back to safety.
Pluck
To pull out feathers from poultry.
He had to pluck the chicken thoroughly before cooking it.
Cluck
To make a short, guttural sound.
She mimicked the hen and clucked to gather the children's attention.
Pluck
To play a stringed instrument by pulling and releasing strings.
He plucked the guitar strings gently, creating a soothing melody.
Cluck
The sound made by a hen (as in calling her chicks).
Make a clucking sounds, characteristic of hens.
Pluck
To remove something quickly.
She plucked the note from my hand before I could read it.
Cluck
The characteristic sound made by a hen when brooding or calling its chicks.
Pluck
Courage or bravery.
It took a lot of pluck to stand up to the bully.
Cluck
A sound similar to this.
Pluck
To remove or detach by grasping and pulling abruptly with the fingers; pick
Pluck a flower.
Pluck feathers from a chicken.
Cluck
(Informal) A stupid or foolish person.
Pluck
To pull out the hair or feathers of
Pluck a chicken.
Cluck
To utter the characteristic sound of a hen.
Pluck
To remove abruptly or forcibly
Plucked their child from school in midterm.
Cluck
To make a sound similar to that of a hen, as in coaxing a horse.
Pluck
To give an abrupt pull to; tug at
Pluck a sleeve.
Cluck
To call by making the characteristic sound of a hen or a similar sound.
Pluck
(Music) To sound (the strings of an instrument) by pulling and releasing them with the fingers or a plectrum.
Cluck
To express by clucking
He clucked disapproval.
Pluck
To give an abrupt pull; tug.
Cluck
The sound made by a hen, especially when brooding, or calling her chicks.
Pluck
The act or an instance of plucking.
Cluck
Any sound similar to this.
Pluck
Resourceful courage and daring in the face of difficulties; spirit.
Cluck
A kind of tongue click used to urge on a horse.
Pluck
The heart, liver, windpipe, and lungs of a slaughtered animal.
Cluck
(intransitive) To make such a sound.
Pluck
(transitive) To pull something sharply; to pull something out
She plucked the phone from her bag and dialled.
Cluck
(transitive) To cause (the tongue) to make a clicking sound.
My mother clucked her tongue in disapproval.
Pluck
(transitive) To take or remove (someone) quickly from a particular place or situation.
Cluck
To call together, or call to follow, as a hen does her chickens.
Pluck
To gently play a single string, e.g. on a guitar, violin etc.
Whereas a piano strikes the string, a harpsichord plucks it.
Cluck
To suffer withdrawal from heroin.
Pluck
(transitive) To remove feathers from a bird.
Cluck
To make the noise, or utter the call, of a brooding hen.
Pluck
To rob, steal from; to cheat or swindle (someone).
Cluck
To call together, or call to follow, as a hen does her chickens.
She, poor hen, fond of no second brood,Has clucked three to the wars.
Pluck
(transitive) To play a string instrument pizzicato.
Plucking a bow instrument may cause a string to break.
Cluck
The call of a hen to her chickens.
Pluck
(intransitive) To pull or twitch sharply.
To pluck at somebody's sleeve
Cluck
A click. See 3d Click, 2.
Pluck
To reject (a student) after they fail an examination for a degree.
Pluck
Of a glacier: to transport individual pieces of bedrock by means of gradual erosion through freezing and thawing.
Pluck
An instance of plucking or pulling sharply.
Those tiny birds are hardly worth the tedious pluck.
Pluck
The lungs, heart with trachea and often oesophagus removed from slaughtered animals.
Pluck
Guts, nerve, fortitude or persistence.
He didn't get far with the attempt, but you have to admire his pluck.
Pluck
Cheap wine.
Pluck
To pull; to draw.
Its own nature . . . plucks on its own dissolution.
Pluck
Especially, to pull with sudden force or effort, or to pull off or out from something, with a twitch; to twitch; also, to gather, to pick; as, to pluck feathers from a fowl; to pluck hair or wool from a skin; to pluck grapes.
I come to pluck your berries harsh and crude.
E'en children followed, with endearing wile,And plucked his gown to share the good man's smile.
Pluck
To strip of, or as of, feathers; as, to pluck a fowl.
They which pass by the way do pluck her.
Pluck
To reject at an examination for degrees.
Pluck
To make a motion of pulling or twitching; - usually with at; as, to pluck at one's gown.
Pluck
The act of plucking; a pull; a twitch.
Pluck
The heart, liver, and lights of an animal.
Pluck
Spirit; courage; indomitable resolution; fortitude.
Decay of English spirit, decay of manly pluck.
Pluck
The lyrie.
Pluck
The trait of showing courage and determination in spite of possible loss or injury
Pluck
The act of pulling and releasing a taut cord
Pluck
Pull or pull out sharply;
Pluck the flowers off the bush
Pluck
Sell something to or obtain something from by energetic and especially underhanded activity
Pluck
Rip off; ask an unreasonable price
Pluck
Pull lightly but sharply with a plucking motion;
He plucked the strings of his mandolin
Pluck
Strip of feathers;
Pull a chicken
Pluck the capon
Pluck
Look for and gather;
Pick mushrooms
Pick flowers
Common Curiosities
How do the contexts of "cluck" and "pluck" differ in literature?
"Cluck" is rarely used in a metaphorical sense and is straightforward, usually relating to animal behavior, whereas "pluck" can symbolize human courage or resolve in literary contexts.
What instruments are commonly played by plucking?
Stringed instruments such as guitars, harps, and violins are often played by plucking the strings.
What animals besides chickens are known to cluck?
While primarily associated with chickens, other birds such as turkeys can also make similar sounds that might be described as clucking.
Is it common to use "cluck" in everyday conversation?
No, "cluck" is not commonly used in everyday conversation unless discussing chickens or mimicking their sound.
What are some alternative words to "pluck" when referring to courage?
Alternative words include "bravery," "fortitude," and "guts."
Are there any idiomatic expressions involving "pluck"?
Yes, expressions like "pluck up courage" or "pluck at someone’s heartstrings" are common, illustrating the term's metaphorical versatility.
What are common mistakes people make when plucking feathers?
Common mistakes include not scalding the bird properly, which makes feathers harder to remove, and tearing the skin.
How does the cultural significance of "cluck" and "pluck" differ?
"Cluck" generally lacks cultural significance beyond its association with chickens, while "pluck" can be culturally significant in contexts that value courage and determination.
What wildlife conservation issues are related to plucking?
Plucking can be a concern in wildlife conservation when it involves illegal trade of bird feathers or harming birds for their feathers.
Is plucking a chicken painful for the animal?
Plucking is generally performed on birds after they are deceased, so it does not cause pain to the animal.
Can "cluck" be used to describe sounds made by humans?
Yes, "cluck" can be used figuratively to describe a sound made by humans, usually to indicate disapproval or concern.
How can "pluck" be applied in a professional setting?
"Pluck" can describe the necessary courage or initiative needed to tackle challenging tasks or to take on leadership roles in a professional setting.
How has the usage of "cluck" evolved over time?
The usage of "cluck" has remained fairly stable, primarily referring to the specific sound made by chickens without much evolution in meaning or application.
Is "pluck" considered a positive trait in all cultures?
In many cultures, yes, but the perception can vary; some might see it as foolhardiness rather than bravery.
Can "cluck" be used in a culinary context like "pluck"?
No, "cluck" does not have a culinary use and is strictly related to the sound made by certain birds.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Poseur vs. Poser
Next Comparison
Dot vs. PeriodAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
