cockamamie

or cock·a·ma·my

[ kok-uh-mey-mee ]

adjective

, Slang.

1. ridiculous, pointless, or nonsensical:

   full of wild schemes and cockamamie ideas.

cockamamie

/ ˌkɒkəˈmeɪmɪ /

adjective

1. slang.
   ridiculous or nonsensical

   a cockamamie story

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockamamie¹

Probably earlier than 1940–45, Americanism; in its original sense, “paper strip with an image which could be transferred to the skin when moistened,” apparently alteration of decalcomania; the current sense “ridiculous” probably by association with cock-and-bull story, poppycock, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockamamie¹

C20: in an earlier sense: a paper transfer, prob. a variant of decalcomania

Example Sentences

I began to feel like a student again, waiting for Feynman to react to the latest cockamamie idea I had come up with.

From Nautilus

In this cockamamie get-rich scheme, would they all issue an apology if he cut a check?

From The Daily Beast

I wonder how much the Federalist Society invested in this cockamamie responsible procreation idea.

From The Daily Beast

“The whole ticking-time-bomb thesis is … so cockamamie,” said Carle.

From The Daily Beast

Tunku Varadarajan on other cockamamie American beliefs—and why so many cling to them.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• aberrant
• absurd
• crazy
• foolish
• incoherent
• insane
• preposterous
• ridiculous
• stupid
• unreasonable
• unsound
• unwise
• wrong