transitive "preen"

[Ben Zimmer]

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/26/tech/social-media/facebook-users-will-revolt-cashmore/index.html
"You'll add a big, new 'Cover photo' to your page and waste a few hours
preening your Timeline, choosing to feature your happiest memories, hide the
inconsequential ones, and lingering awhile on the most bittersweet of
moments."

I was struck by the peculiar use of "preen," which (aside from reflexive
"preen oneself") tends only to be used as a transitive in the case of a bird
preening its feathers -- or else something not too metaphorically removed
from avian self-grooming (e.g., a man preening his mustache/whiskers/beard).

--bgz


--
Ben Zimmer
http://benzimmer.com/

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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org