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Cocksure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cocksure

[หˆkษ’kสƒสŠษ™ ]

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.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'cocksure'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'cocksure' has its origins in the 18th century, emerging from two components: 'cock', a term used to denote a male bird, specifically a rooster that displays pride and confidence through its behavior and posturing, and 'sure', indicating certainty or confidence. This compound suggests an image of a roosterโ€™s assertive demeanor, which translates to an overconfident human attitude. The earliest uses of the term can be traced back to the year 1777, where it was used to describe someone who had a proud and self-satisfied manner. The connotation of being cocksure often carried a negative implication, warning against excessive pride and the potential pitfalls of hubris. Over time, the word has retained its critical undertones, being used in various contexts to caution against unmerited overconfidence.

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.