What does "to kill a mocking bird" means?

Question

I know that there is a novel and a movie under the same title, but unfortunately I never had the chance to read/watch either one which could have given me a clue.

So, can you please describe what is it meant by this phrase? Is it usually used in English speaking countries?

Answer 1

   The book is wonderful and the movie is awesome, I highly recommend them. However, if you haven't had any exposure to the storyline the title could be a little confusing. Basically, in the book a father is talking to his children and tells them to always be careful to never kill a mockingbird because it has never done anyone any harm. Mockingbirds don't ruin farmer's crops, they just make beautiful music for people. So to kill a mockingbird is to do a wicked deed, this works with the plot of the book which focuses on racial segregation and the persecution of African Americans. It's not a commonly used phrase, but a worthwhile bit of trivia to know.

  

Answer 2

Heather was right about Mockingbirds.  You've got to read the book, and really understand "Southern States" dialect.  It can be tricky for some people to understand. The book is incrediable, go grab it!  

Answer 3

A Mockingbird is an innocent bird that sings beautifully and brings no harm to the world. Scout, the narrator of the story, is told she should never shoot a mockingbird.

There are many mockingbirds in the story- innocent men.

But under the prejudice of the old south, they are condemned.

To Kill a Mockingbird means to kill and innocent man.

Answer 4

The mocking bird can imitate all other birds with their calls, so kiliing one is like eliminating something extraordinory and beautiful.

Answer 5

To Kill a Mockingbird is a beautifully written book and a beautifully acted movie.  It's a short book. Take it out of the library and read it.

Answer 6

Without reading the book, it's kinda pointless to ask this question, but it means pretty much that mockngbirds do not do anything but sing beautifully, and to kill one is a terrible thing to do.  you would understand a lot better i you read the book.  it's good.=]

Answer 7

In the title, I could only think it was referring to the death of the convicted rapist Tom Robinson after an attempted escape in the story.