cocky

¹ American  

[kok-ee] / ˈkɒk i /

adjective

cockier, cockiest

1. arrogant; pertly self-assertive; conceited;

   He walked in with a cocky air.

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cocky ² American  

[kok-ee] / ˈkɒk i /

noun

plural

cockies

1. Australian.

   1. cockatoo.

   2. cockatoo.

2. cockatiel.

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cocky ³ American  

[kok-ee] / ˈkɒk i /

verb (used without object)

Newfoundland.

cockied, cockying

1. copy.

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cocky ¹ British  

/ ˈkɒkɪ /

noun

1. short for cockatoo

2. a farmer whose farm is regarded as small or of little account

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cocky ² British  

/ ˈkɒkɪ /

adjective

1. excessively proud of oneself

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Other Word Forms

• cockily adverb
• cockiness noun

Etymology

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

I remember being excited, of course, but also like, “Yes! I’m supposed to be here,” not from a cocky place but more affirmative.

From Los Angeles Times

A 64-year-old late bloomer who arrived in Bloomington with a cocky press conference and group of James Madison transfers, Cignetti delivered swagger, talent and a gift for navigating college football’s turbulent, transfer-happy economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

No longer will he suffer injuries in silence — although the Coyote’s legal team, played by Will Forte and Lana Condor, do all of the talking against Acme’s cocky defense attorney, John Cena.

From Los Angeles Times

The car is as “cocky as they come,” Kendall said.

From The Wall Street Journal

A charismatic performer with striking good looks, Kilmer gained international fame as Tom Cruise’s cocky rival, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, in “Top Gun.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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