Cocky Meaning

Meaning of Word

Cocky refers to someone who is overly confident, arrogant, or self-assured, often in a way that can be perceived as irritating or rude.

Definitions and Meaning in English

Cocky describes someone who is overly confident or self-assured, especially in an arrogant or brash manner.
A person who displays an excessive or bold sense of superiority over others.
A term used to describe a person or behavior that shows off or acts in a self-important way, often with disregard for others’ feelings.

History and Origin

The word cocky originates from the word cock, which has been used for centuries to refer to a rooster. The term likely refers to the proud, headstrong posture and behavior of a rooster, which struts confidently and appears somewhat arrogant. Over time, the word evolved to describe a person with similar traits of boastfulness or excessive self-confidence. The term has been in use since the 17th century and often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is too proud or boastful.

Detailed Explanation

Cocky describes a person who exhibits an inflated sense of confidence or self-importance. This often manifests as a brash, bold attitude, where the individual may display pride or arrogance in a way that may come across as disrespectful or annoying to others. While confidence is typically a positive trait, being cocky involves crossing the line into arrogance, making the person’s behavior off-putting. It can refer to both attitude and actions, such as boasting, showing off, or acting in a superior manner.

Example Sentences

His cocky attitude during the meeting made it difficult for anyone to take him seriously.
She was a bit cocky after winning the game, gloating about her victory.
Don’t be so cocky; it’s important to stay humble no matter how successful you become.
The athlete’s cocky behavior on the field rubbed his teammates the wrong way.
He walked into the room with a cocky smile, thinking he had already won the argument.
Her cocky remarks made it clear she thought she was the smartest person in the room.
He always has that cocky grin on his face, like he knows something no one else does.
The cocky salesman boasted about his record sales numbers, annoying his colleagues.
His cocky manner was not appreciated during the job interview, and he didn’t get the position.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

Arrogant: Displaying an attitude of superiority and self-importance.
Conceited: Having an excessively high opinion of oneself, often without justification.
Brash: Acting in an impudent or bold manner, often in a way that disregards others.
Egotistical: Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.
Overconfident: Being excessively sure of oneself, often without the skill or knowledge to back it up.

Related Words with Short Explanation

Boastful: Describing someone who brags or speaks in an overly proud way.
Prideful: Exhibiting a sense of self-importance or superiority.
Self-assured: Confidence in one’s abilities or qualities, though it can sometimes border on cockiness.
Supercilious: Behaving or looking as though one thinks they are superior to others.
Smug: Displaying self-satisfaction or superiority in a way that is annoying to others.

More Matches with Short Explanation

Bold: Exhibiting courage or confidence, though it can also imply arrogance in some contexts.
Show-off: A person who likes to draw attention to their abilities or possessions in a boastful way.
Chauvinistic: Having a biased, often excessive, belief in one’s superiority over others, typically used in the context of gender or nationality.
Snobbish: Displaying attitudes of superiority based on social class, wealth, or status.
Haughty: Acting arrogantly superior, often with a sense of disdain for others.

Antonyms

Humble: Having a modest opinion of one’s abilities or importance, opposite of being cocky.
Modest: Showing humility or a lack of arrogance, often with a reserved manner.
Unassuming: Not showy or arrogant, indicating a lack of boastfulness.
Self-effacing: Avoiding attention to oneself, demonstrating humility and modesty.
Meek: Showing a gentle, submissive, and humble attitude, in contrast to being cocky.