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Cockamamie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคช
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cockamamie

[หŒkษ’kษ™หˆmeษชmi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

informal

Absurd; ridiculous; nonsensical.

Synonyms

absurd, nonsensical, ridiculous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cockamamie

Informal and somewhat humorous contexts, often to describe an idea or plan that is silly or implausible.

  • That is a cockamamie excuse for being late!
  • Who came up with this cockamamie scheme?
absurd

Used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize something that defies logic or reason.

  • The idea of flying pigs is absurd.
  • Her explanation was so absurd that no one believed her.
ridiculous

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate that something is laughably unreasonable or foolish.

  • The prices at that store are ridiculous.
  • She looked ridiculous trying to dance in high heels.
nonsensical

Describes speech, writing, or ideas that lack sense or meaning, can sound more formal.

  • The report was filled with nonsensical jargon.
  • He gave a nonsensical answer to a straightforward question.

Examples of usage

  • That's a cockamamie idea!
  • Don't listen to his cockamamie theories.
  • The whole plan seems a bit cockamamie to me.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term gained popularity in the mid-20th century, often used in comedic films and sitcoms.
  • Artists such as animated characters often used it to describe ludicrous schemes or plans.
  • In modern usage, it appears in both stand-up comedy and satirical writings.

Psychology

  • People often use this word to dismiss ideas that seem far-fetched, reflecting critical thinking.
  • Understanding why certain ideas are labeled cockamamie can enhance one's ability to evaluate information critically.
  • Using humor when labeling ideas as cockamamie can relieve tension in discussions.

Literature

  • Writers use cockamamie to create quirky characters or absurd situations, adding humor or charm.
  • The term has appeared in novels and children's stories to depict fantastical narratives.
  • It reflects a playful use of language that encourages creativity in storytelling.

Sociolinguistics

  • The usage of cockamamie can reveal regional dialects, primarily found in American English.
  • Its informal nature makes it more popular in spoken language than in formal writings.
  • The acceptance of cockamamie in conversation indicates a shared understanding of humor and exaggeration among speakers.

Origin of 'cockamamie'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1950s.
  • It may come from a child's word for a made-up thing, linking to how children create funny names.
  • Another theory links it to 'cocamamie', a play on the Spanish term for 'crazy' โ€“ 'cucรบ'.

The origins of the word 'cockamamie' are uncertain. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Some suggest that it may have been derived from the French word 'cacamain', meaning 'broken down'. Over time, 'cockamamie' has come to mean something absurd or nonsensical.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,483, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.