Peacock Alley means: Any of a number of specific named hotel foyers, first and most notably that of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
Peacock Alley
Any of a number of specific named hotel foyers, first and most notably that of the Waldorf–Astoria in New York City.
ˈpiˌkɑk ˈæliDocumented since 1900s1900sSilenthistorical155 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026＋ Add a definition
Etymology timeline
Born ~1904 · no dated citations yet20th centurySee decade cohort →
Definitions
US
#1·Apr 27, 2026US
Any of a number of specific named hotel foyers, first and most notably that of the Waldorf–Astoria in New York City.
Origin: The main corridor connecting the two buildings comprising the Waldorf–Astoria was given this nickname by the press in New York City in reference to wealthy patrons (especially women) who would go there to show off their finery (compare peacock). The name then came to refer generically to the foyer of any such upper-class hotel, or similar gathering place. First appears c. 1904 in Real New York by Rupert Hughes. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents
Peacock Alley means: Any of a number of specific named hotel foyers, first and most notably that of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
Peacock Alley means: Any of a number of specific named hotel foyers, first and most notably that of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
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US
#2·Apr 27, 2026US
(historic, US) Any hotel foyer or similar area where upper-class women congregate in order to be seen.
Cluster: stimulants
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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Other words near "Peacock Alley" (P)
peaboPeabody birdpeace bondpeacekeeperpeace officerPeachpeakpeak aaaapeak aberzombiepeak acchapeak acelapeak acoustic
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