Cozened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• Shakespeare used a form of this word in his plays, showcasing how deception can lead to comedic or tragic outcomes.
• Charles Dickens often depicted characters who were cozened through their gullibility, highlighting social issues of his time.
• In classic literature, tales of con artists often center around themes of trust and betrayal, reflecting societal values.

Psychology

• People can be cozened due to cognitive biases, like the trusting nature we often have towards others.
• Social dynamics often play a role; those with higher social influence may cozen others more easily.
• Once cozened, a person may experience feelings of shame or embarrassment, impacting their future trust in others.

Pop Culture

• Movies often portray cozening through scams or cons, like in 'Ocean's Eleven' where characters play tricks to achieve their goals.
• Popular TV shows like 'Breaking Bad' illustrate how characters cozen others for personal gain, exploring moral ambiguity.
• Songs about betrayal often reference themes of being cozened, tapping into universal feelings of trust and betrayal.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Old French 'cozen', meaning 'to deceive' or 'to cheat'.
• It is believed to have roots in the Italian word 'cozzone', referring to a swindler.
• It has been in use in the English language since the late 16th century.

The word 'cozen' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the Italian word 'cozzonare,' which means 'to deceive' or 'to beguile.' The term reflects the Italian roots of the Renaissance period when practices of trickery became prominent in society. Over time, the word made its way into English, maintaining the essence of deceitful behavior. The usage of 'cozen' in English literature can be traced back to writings of the 16th and 17th centuries, where it appeared in plays and poetry as a way to describe cunning actions. Its evolution continued as it got absorbed into common vernacular, often associated with swindlers and con artists. Today, 'cozen' is often used in a figurative sense, illustrating the wide-ranging implications of deceit in various aspects of life.

Ranking #38,527, 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.

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