cocky

¹

[ kok-ee ]

adjective

cockier, cockiest.

1. arrogant; pertly self-assertive; conceited;

   He walked in with a cocky air.

cocky

²

[ kok-ee ]

noun

plural cockies.

1. Australian.
   1. cockatoo ( def 1 ).
   2. cockatoo ( def 2a ).
2. cockatiel.

cocky

³

[ kok-ee ]

verb (used without object)

Newfoundland.

cockied, cockying.

1. copy ( def 19 ).

cocky

¹

/ ˈkɒkɪ /

adjective

1. excessively proud of oneself

cocky

²

/ ˈkɒkɪ /

noun

1. short for cockatoo
2. a farmer whose farm is regarded as small or of little account

Derived Forms

• ˈcockily, adverb

Other Word Forms

• cocki·ly adverb
• cocki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocky¹

First recorded in 1540–50; cock ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of cocky²

First recorded in 1830–40; cock(atoo), cock(atiel) + -y ²

Origin of cocky³

Apparently a playful alteration, by association with cocky ¹

Example Sentences

"Don't get cocky boys, remember, you're Scotland, you don't qualify for World Cups. Down you go."

From BBC

Holly isn't cocky about being amazing at her job or continually dealing with and working through her own issues to do what needs to be done.

From Salon

“Reports and leaked statements suggested that Sanders ‘tanked interviews,’ ‘wasn’t prepared,’ and ‘was too cocky,’ which contributed to a narrative that has unjustly harmed his reputation and potential as a player,” the lawsuit reads.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m a cocky little s—, so obviously I want to talk about myself,” says Young, who’s scheduled to perform between Coachella weekends at the Fonda Theatre on April 15.

From Los Angeles Times

Inanely virtuous sisters are engaged to a pair of unrelated, inanely cocky bros.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant
• brash
• cocksure
• overconfident
• presumptuous
• self-confident