The phrase 'ἀσπίδας φυλλορροεῖ' (shields are shedding leaves) is a striking example of Aristophanic comic hyperbole and neologism. The verb φυλλορροέω is a hapax legomenon in this context, coined by the poet to describe the act of shedding leaves like a tree. Here, it humorously suggests that the shields are so old, rusted, or perhaps so covered in moss that they are disintegrating naturally, or it may be a satirical allusion to the shields of the Scythians (who were often depicted with leather or hide coverings) turning into foliage, thereby undermining the martial dignity of the Athenian hoplites. This construction relies on the audience recognizing the absurdity of inanimate objects shedding leaves, a metaphor for decay or the trivialization of war.