Cock Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cock
[kÉk ]
Definitions
male bird
A mature male bird, especially a domestic chicken or gamecock.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cock |
Common in British English, it refers to an adult male chicken. Be cautious, as it can also have a vulgar meaning related to male anatomy.
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Examples of usage
- The cock strutted around the farmyard, showing off his colorful feathers.
- The farmer kept several cocks for breeding purposes.
mechanism
A device for holding together or adjusting the tension of parts of a mechanism.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cock |
A second use of 'cock' is to describe the action of preparing a firearm or a crossbow to be fired. This usage is more technical and specific to weaponry.
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| clamp |
Use 'clamp' when referring to a device used to hold objects tightly together to prevent movement or separation. It is commonly used in construction, woodworking, and mechanical contexts.
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| fastener |
The term 'fastener' is a general word used for any hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. It is a broad term encompassing screws, bolts, nails, and other similar items.
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Examples of usage
- The carpenter used a cock to secure the pieces of wood in place.
- She adjusted the cock to ensure the smooth operation of the machine.
male human
A male who behaves in an assertive or domineering way, especially toward women.
Synonyms
arrogant person, egotist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cock |
This word is often used in slang to describe a confident and sometimes aggressive person. It can have a positive or neutral connotation in informal settings but can be offensive if used inappropriately.
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| arrogant person |
This phrase is used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. It is typically negative and used in formal or neutral settings.
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| egotist |
This word is used to describe someone who is excessively conceited or self-absorbed. It has a negative connotation and is often used in general or informal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He's such a cock, always trying to control everyone around him.
- She refused to date him because of his cocky attitude.
tilt or turn to one side
To tilt or turn a part of the body or an object to one side.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cock |
Redundant entry, see entry for 'cock'. |
| tilt |
Commonly used to describe the action of causing something to lean or slant to one side. Usually neutral and applicable in everyday situations involving changing the orientation of objects.
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| angle |
Used to describe the position or direction of an object or viewpoint, often in reference to adjusting or examining it for a specific perspective.
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Examples of usage
- She cocked her head to the side, listening intently.
- He cocked the gun before taking aim.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, roosters signify the start of a new day, symbolizing vigilance and renewal.
- Some cultures host cockfighting events, where roosters are bred and trained for fighting, leading to debates on animal rights.
Literature
- In William Shakespeare's works, the term appears in various forms, reflecting relationships and societal roles.
- The phrase 'cock of the walk' has been used in literature to describe someone who is overconfident or boasts about their achievements.
Science
- Roosters are known for their vibrant plumage, which is used to attract hens and demonstrate health.
- The crowing of a rooster can signal the presence of danger, as they are naturally vigilant birds.
Pop Culture
- The rooster character has been featured in various cartoons and movies, often personified as a brave, proud creature.
- In music, roosters often symbolize awakening or the call to action, used in many songs across genres.
Origin of 'cock'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cock' comes from Old English 'coc', which referred to a male chicken.
- In various languages, similar words exist, such as 'coq' in French and 'Gockel' in German, highlighting its long-standing significance in agriculture.
The word 'cock' has a long history in the English language. It originated from Old English 'cocc', which meant 'male bird'. Over time, the word evolved to have various meanings, including a mechanical device and a term used to describe a certain type of behavior in males. The word has been used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to convey different nuances of assertiveness, masculinity, and control. Today, 'cock' remains a versatile word with multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
See also: cockerel, cockeyed, cockiness, cockpit, cockscomb, cocktail, cocky.