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Cocky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cocky

[ˈkɒki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Having or showing confidence in a way that is annoying to other people.

Synonyms

arrogant, conceited, overconfident.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cocky

Used to describe someone who is overly self-assured in a way that can be perceived as annoying or irritating. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He came across as very cocky during the interview, constantly interrupting and boasting about his achievements.
  • During the game, the player got too cocky and started making mistakes.
arrogant

Describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities, often in a way that dismisses others. Strong negative connotation.

  • His arrogant behavior made it difficult for his colleagues to work with him.
  • She was so arrogant that she refused to listen to anyone else's opinion.
conceited

Refers to someone who is excessively proud of themselves and their achievements, often without justification. Typically negative.

  • She's so conceited; she talks about herself all the time.
  • His conceited attitude turned a lot of people away.
overconfident

Used when someone has too much confidence in their abilities which can lead to mistakes or underestimating challenges. Can be neutral or slightly negative.

  • He was overconfident in his ability to fix the car and ended up causing more damage.
  • Being overconfident in your knowledge might lead to underestimating the complexity of the task.

Examples of usage

  • He was too cocky to take advice from anyone.
  • She walked around with a cocky attitude that rubbed people the wrong way.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Proud or overly self-confident in a way that annoys others.

Synonyms

bold, self-assured, smug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cocky

Use 'cocky' when referring to someone who is overly confident in a way that may seem arrogant or annoying. It has a negative connotation.

  • He's so cocky; he never listens to anyone else's ideas.
  • Her cocky attitude rubs people the wrong way.
smug

Use 'smug' when referring to someone who is overly satisfied with themselves to the point of arrogance. It has a negative connotation.

  • He had a smug look on his face after winning the argument.
  • Her smug attitude made her unpopular among her peers.
self-assured

Use 'self-assured' to describe someone who is confident in themselves and their abilities, often maturely and calmly. It is positive.

  • His self-assured nature made him a great leader.
  • She entered the room with a self-assured smile, ready to tackle the meeting.
bold

Use 'bold' when describing someone who is confident and willing to take risks. It can be positive or neutral, usually highlighting bravery or assertiveness.

  • She made a bold decision to start her own business.
  • His bold actions in the face of danger were admirable.

Examples of usage

  • His cocky behavior often led to conflicts with his colleagues.
  • She made a cocky remark that offended everyone in the room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term has been commonly featured in music, such as songs that celebrate self-confidence, but it often carries a hint of irony.
  • In sports, athletes are sometimes called cocky when they taunt opponents, making the term well-known in competitive contexts.
  • Popular characters in movies often portray cocky personas, such as certain superheroes and villains, emphasizing their exaggerated confidence.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that cockiness can sometimes stem from insecurity, as some individuals overcompensate for their own doubts.
  • Overly confident behavior can push others away, leading to social isolation despite appearing popular or admirable.
  • Research indicates that cocky individuals may struggle in teamwork situations, as their self-centered views can create conflict.

Literature

  • Cocky characters often serve as antagonists in literature, embodying traits that challenge the protagonist's journey.
  • Classic literature often depicts cocky heroes who learn humility, demonstrating growth and development.
  • Contemporary novels frequently explore themes of cockiness, reflecting society's views on self-assurance and arrogance.

Origin of 'cocky'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'cocky' originated in the early 18th century, derived from the word 'cock', which referred to a proud rooster.
  • In its early use, 'cocky' described someone who was spirited and bold, similar to how roosters behave.
  • The extension of the word to mean overly self-assured began around the 19th century.

The word 'cocky' originated in the early 19th century as a slang term in Australia and New Zealand. It was originally used to describe someone who was overly self-confident or arrogant. The term is believed to have derived from the word 'cock' meaning a male bird, which is known for its confident and proud demeanor. Over time, 'cocky' has evolved to be commonly used in English to describe someone who displays an excessive level of self-assurance.

See also: cock, cockerel, cockeyed, cockiness, cockpit, cockscomb, cocktail.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,279, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.