Cozened: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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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