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Cocksure: meaning, definitions and examples

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cocksure

 

[ˈkɒkʃʊə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

confidence level

Cocksure refers to a person who is overly confident or presumptuous about their abilities and knowledge. This term often implies a sense of arrogance and a lack of humility. While self-assurance can be a positive trait, being cocksure tends to suggest an unfounded level of certainty, sometimes leading to misjudgments or mistakes. It describes someone who exhibits a brash attitude, often disregarding the possibility of error or failure.

Synonyms

arrogant, cocky, overconfident, presumptuous.

Examples of usage

  • He was cocksure that he would win the race.
  • Her cocksure demeanor alienated her colleagues.
  • The cocksure investor ignored the warning signs.
  • Despite being cocksure about the project, he failed to deliver results.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'cocksure' originated in the 16th century, combining 'cock' (meaning rooster, a symbol of arrogance) and 'sure' (confident).
  • It was initially used to describe someone so overly confident that they were unaware of possible mistakes.

Literature

  • 'Cocksure' is often used in literature to define characters that are overly confident, sometimes leading to their downfall.
  • Famous authors like John Milton and Shakespeare have depicted similar traits in their characters, showcasing the duality of confidence and arrogance.

Psychology

  • Studies in psychology suggest that high confidence can lead to better performance, but overconfidence might blind individuals to their limitations.
  • This phenomenon is part of the Dunning-Kruger effect, where people with limited knowledge overestimate their own expertise.

Pop Culture

  • In modern slang, being 'cocksure' can have a negative connotation, often linked to individuals who are boastful and dismissive of others.
  • Television shows frequently depict 'cocksure' characters who face humorous consequences for their excessive confidence.

Sociology

  • Sociologists note that cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of confidence, with some societies valuing humility over being cocksure.
  • The expression highlights the balance between leadership qualities and the importance of listening to others.

Translations

Translations of the word "cocksure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrogante

🇮🇳 आत्मविश्वासी

🇩🇪 selbstsicher

🇮🇩 percaya diri

🇺🇦 самовпевнений

🇵🇱 pewny siebie

🇯🇵 自信過剰な

🇫🇷 sûr de soi

🇪🇸 seguro de sí mismo

🇹🇷 kendine güvenen

🇰🇷 자신감 넘치는

🇸🇦 واثق من نفسه

🇨🇿 sebevědomý

🇸🇰 sebeistý

🇨🇳 自信的

🇸🇮 samozavesten

🇮🇸 sjálfsöruggur

🇰🇿 өз-өзін сенімді

🇬🇪 თვითდაჯერებული

🇦🇿 özünə güvənən

🇲🇽 seguro de sí mismo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,564, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.