Langimage
English

cockily

|cock-i-ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkɑːkɪli/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɒkɪli/

(cocky)

overconfident

Base FormComparativeSuperlative
cockycockiercockiest
Etymology
Etymology Information

'cocky' originates from 'cock,' a term used to describe a male bird, specifically a rooster, where 'cock' meant 'to strut or swagger.'

Historical Evolution

'cock' changed from Old English word 'cocc' and eventually became the modern English word 'cocky' to describe someone who struts or is overly confident.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to strut like a rooster,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'arrogantly self-assured.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a self-assured, often arrogant manner.

He walked cockily into the room, sure of his success.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/30 08:50