Cocking: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
cocking
[ หkษkษชล ]
mechanical action
Cocking refers to the action of pulling back or positioning a mechanism, especially a spring, so that it is ready to be released. It is commonly used in relation to firearms, where the hammer is cocked to prepare the gun for firing. The term can also apply to various devices that require a preparatory mechanical action to be set before use.
Synonyms
preparing, pulling back, resetting
Examples of usage
- He was cocking the gun before taking aim.
- The archer is cocking the bowstring to shoot an arrow.
- Cocking the latch secured the door properly.
slang usage
In some informal contexts, 'cocking' may refer to the act of engaging in inappropriate behavior, often of a sexual nature. This usage is considered slang and is generally not used in formal conversation.
Synonyms
fooling around, messing about
Examples of usage
- The group was caught cocking around at the party.
- Cocking off in public can lead to unwanted attention.
Translations
Translations of the word "cocking" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cozinhando
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคจเคพ เคฌเคจเคพเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช kochen
๐ฎ๐ฉ memasak
๐บ๐ฆ ะณะพััะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ gotowanie
๐ฏ๐ต ๆ็ใใ
๐ซ๐ท cuisiner
๐ช๐ธ cocinar
๐น๐ท piลirme
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฆฌํ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุทูู
๐จ๐ฟ vaลenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ varenie
๐จ๐ณ ็น้ฅช
๐ธ๐ฎ kuhanje
๐ฎ๐ธ matreiรฐsla
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐัะฟะฐะทะดัา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แแฃแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ biลirmษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ cocinar
Etymology
The term 'cock' has its origins in the Old English word 'coc', which means a male bird, particularly a rooster. It is believed that this root can be traced back to the Germanic languages, where similar words for 'cock' are present, indicating its long-standing use in various forms. The verb form 'to cock' began to develop in the 17th century, often used as a term for setting something in a position of readiness. The educational constraints during which the term evolved also contained a variety of meanings, leading to its adaptation in various fields including mechanics and firearms. Its use in a more informal or vulgar context likely emerged in the 20th century, with 'cocking around' representing playful or irresponsible behavior, often with sexual connotations. As language evolves, the word has retained its association with readiness while also acquiring additional meanings in different contexts.